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PUBLIC 


AUCTION 


SALE 


THE  MICHAEL  F.  PRICE 

COLLECTION 


ANCIENT  GREEK  AND  ROMAN  COINS 


DECEMBER  3,  1996 


123  WEST  57th  STREET,  NEW  YORK,  N.Y.  10019-2280 


THE  MICHAEL  E.  PRICE  COLLECTION 

of 

ANCIENT  GREEK  AND  ROMAN  COINS 


TO  BE  SOLD  AT 

PUBLIC  AUCTION  SALE 

DECEMBER  3, 1996 

• 

DURING 

THE  NEW  YORK  INTERNATIONAL  NUMISMATIC  CONVENTION 


TUESDAY  EVENING,  DECEMBER  3,  1966 
6:30  P.M.  SHARP 
LOTS  1 - 257 


Additional  Ancient  Greek  and  Roman  Coins,  lots  258-952, 
presented  in  a separate  catalogue,  will  be  sold 
immediately  after  this  offering  of  the  Michael  F.  Price  Collection 


Lot  Viewing 

Lots  will  be  on  exhibition  Nov. 
25,  26,  27  and  Dec.  2,  1996  thru 
DAY  OF  SALE,  from  10:30  a.m. 
till  4:30  p.m.,  Monday  thru 
Friday,  at  123  West  57th  Street, 
N.Y.  Positively  no  lots  will  be 
shown  at  the  Park  Central  Hotel. 
Please  note  that  our  offices  are 
closed  Nov.  28  and  29  for  the 
Thanksgiving  Holiday. 


Public  Auction  Sale 

To  Be  Held  In  The 
Manhattan  Skyline  Suites 
Of  The 

PARK  CENTRAL  HOTEL 
Seventh  Avenue  at  56th  Street 
NEW  YORK  CITY 


Catalogued  and  Sold  by 


123  WEST  57th  STREET,  NEW  YORK,  N.Y.  10019-2280 
Telephone  (212)  582-2580 
FAX  (212)  245-5018  or  (212)  582-1946 

Morgan  Guaranty  Trust  Co.  ABA  021-000238  AC  155-43-532 


Licensed  Auctioneers:  Harvey  G.  Stack,  #0522763;  Lawrence  Stack,  #0798114. 

Visit  us  on  the  World  Wide  Web 
http://www.stacks.com 


TERMS  OF  SALE 

These  terms  of  sale  are  designed  to  conform  to  the  Amended  Rules  for  Public  Auction  Sales  in  New  York  City 
by  the  Department  of  Consumer  Affairs  and  the  Bylaws  of  the  Professional  Numismatists  Guild,  Inc. 

1.  This  public  auction  sale  is  conducted  pursuant  to  these  Terms  of  Sale  by  licensed  and  bonded  auctioneers,  Harvey  G. 
Stack,  #0522763  and  Lawrence  R.  Stack,  #0798114. 

2.  Each  bidder,  by  bidding  in  the  sale,  agrees  that  a 10%  BUYER’S  CHARGE  will  be  added  to  the  “hammer 
price”  or  winning  bid  of  each  lot  as  determined  by  the  auctioneer.  This  10%  BUYER’S  FEE  will  be  added  to  the 
invoice  of  each  successful  bidder  over  and  above  the  actual  sum  bid  or  offered.  The  Buyer’s  Fee  applies  regardless  of  a 
bidder’s  affiliation  with  any  group  or  organization,  and  is  imposed  on  all  bidders.  No  lots  will  be  delivered  or  shown  at 
the  auction.  Auction  sales  are  strictly  for  cash  and  must  be  paid  for  promptly  in  U.S.  funds.  STACK’S  reminds  you  that 
all  bidders  personally  guarantee  prompt  payment  in  full.  Checks  are  permitted  with  identification  acceptable  to 
STACK’S.  On  any  accounts  past  due,  STACK’S  reserves  the  right  to  extend  credit  and  impose  periodic  charges  as 
stated  in  these  Terms  of  Sale  or  on  the  invoice  or  statement.  Buyer  agrees  to  pay  the  reasonable  attorney  fees  and 
costs  required  to  collect  on  such  past  due  accounts.  All  lots  delivered  in  New  York  State  are  subject  to  applicable  Sales 
Tax.  Buyer  agrees  to  pay  any  sales  tax,  use  tax,  and  any  other  applicable  taxes  that  now,  or  hereafter,  are  found  to  be 
due  by  virtue  of  the  sale,  and  to  indemnify  and  hold  STACK’S  harmless  for  any  sales  or  other  taxes  due  thereunder, 
including  reasonable  attorneys  fees,  costs  and  any  interest  or  penalties  assessed.  Buyer  shall  also  pay  all  shipping  and 
handling  charges  where  applicable. 

3.  Purchasers  claiming  exemption  from  such  taxes  must  submit  resale  or  exemption  certificates  or  other  proof  of  exemp- 
tion. Out-of-state  Purchasers  taking  delivery  in  New  York  must  provide  an  OSR  certificate  or  pay  applicable  taxes 
due.  All  purchasers  represent  that  they  are  not  seeking  to  acquire  goods  for  personal,  family,  or  household  purposes, 
but  are  bidding  for  resale  purposes;  and  those  submitting  OSR’s  additionally  represent  that  they  are  professionals, 
knowledgeable  and  fully  aware  of  what  they  are  purchasing,  a representation  upon  which  STACK’S  relies  in  agreeing 
to  sell  to  Purchaser.  Buyers  picking  up  lots  may  be  required  to  confirm  this  agreement  in  a separate  writing. 

4.  STACK’S  is  not  responsible  for  your  errors  in  bidding.  PLEASE  BID  ON  THE  CORRECT  LOT. 

5.  All  persons  seeking  to  bid,  whether  in  person,  by  an  agent  or  employee,  or  by  mail,  must  have  a catalogue  and  register 
to  bid.  By  submitting  a bid,  whether  in  person,  by  mail,  or  through  an  employee  or  agent,  the  bidder  acknowledges 
receipt  of  the  catalogue,  and  agrees  to  adhere  to  these  terms  of  sale.  The  auctioneer  may  decline  to  recognize  any 
bidder  who  does  not  have  a catalogue  and  has  not  registered  and  been  given  a paddle  number.  Any  prospective  bidder 
may  be  required  to  establish  credit  references  or  submit  a deposit  of  25%  of  their  bids.  All  new  bidders  should  be 
prepared  to  establish  credit  with  the  auctioneer  prior  to  registering  to  bid. 

6.  By  bidding,  purchasing  or  offering  to  purchase  in  this  sale,  even  if  as  an  agent,  or  on  behalf  of  a corporation  or  for 
another  individual,  each  bidder  personally  guarantees  prompt  payment  and  agrees  to  be  personally  liable  for  the 
consequences  of  bidding;  all  bidders  also  personally  guarantee  prompt  payment  in  full,  including  without  limitation, 
BUYER’S  FEE,  taxes,  surcharges,  postage,  handling  charges,  storage  costs  and  insurance  charges. 

7.  STACK’S  reserves  the  right  to  require  payment  in  full  before  delivering  lots  to  a successful  bidder,  and  reserves  the 
right  to  require  the  principals,  and  directors  of  any  corporate  bidder  to  execute  a guarantee  of  payment  (which,  in  any 
event  they  do  by  having  an  agent  or  employee  bid  in  the  sale)  prior  to  allowing  a bid  to  be  placed  or  recognized. 

8.  STACK’S  reserves  the  right  to  impose  a late  charge,  based  solely  upon  Purchaser’s  failure  to  remit  full  and  timely 
payment,  and  which  late  charge  is  not  related  to  any  necessary  storage  of  the  material  purchased.  Said  late  charge  is 
calculated  at  a rate  of  1V2%  per  month  (18%  per  annum),  based  on  the  purchase  price  if  payment  has  not  been  made  in 
accordance  with  these  Terms  and  Conditions  of  Sale.  Purchases  not  collected  within  thirty  (30)  days  of  the  date  of  sale 
may,  at  the  sole  option  of  STACK’S,  be  resold  for  Purchaser’s  account  by  STACK’S,  with  Purchaser  liable  for  any 
deficit  after  STACK’S  receives  a commission  for  the  same  in  accordance  with  its  agreement,  and  thereafter  deducts  all 
expenses  associated  with  the  sale,  including  reasonable  attorneys  fees. 

9.  Bids  are  NOT  accepted  from  minors.  By  bidding  in  this  sale,  the  bidder  represents  and  certifies  that  they  are  of  legal 
age,  are  authorized  to  make  the  bid  that  they  make,  and  that  the  purchase  is  not  a consumer  sale  or  consumer  credit 
transaction. 

10.  Title  remains  with  STACK’S  until  paid  for  in  full.  Should  Purchaser  take  any  action  under  Title  11  of  the  U.S. 
Code,  or  any  state  insolvency  law.  Buyer  agrees  to  promptly  return  to  STACK’S,  any  lots  not  paid  for.  The  Buyer 
agrees  to  keep  the  lots  fully  insured  until  paid  for.  Risk  of  loss  is  on  the  Buyer. 

11.  The  highest  bidder  as  determined  in  the  sole  discretion  of  the  auctioneer  shall  be  the  Buyer.  If  the  auctioneer 
determines  that  a dispute  has  arisen  between  two  or  more  bidders,  the  lot  may  be  immediately  put  up  and  sold  again. 
Bidders  with  whom  the  dispute  previously  8U‘ose  shall  be  without  further  recourse  for  any  damages  whatsoever. 

12.  If  you  bid  by  mail,  mail  your  bid  sheet  early.  Mail  bidders  agree  to  and  are  subject  to  these  terms  of  sale  just  as  if 
they  were  floor  bidders. 

1.3.  The  auctioneer  reserves  the  right  to  refuse  ridiculously  low  bids,  which  in  the  auctioneer’s  sole  discretion,  are  felt  not 
to  have  been  made  in  good  faith.  The  auctioneer  reserves  the  right  to  open  the  lot  at  a reasonable  price  determined 
.solely  by  the  auctioneer.  The  auctioneer  shall  also  have  sole  discretion  to  set  initial,  and  subsequent  bidding  incre- 
ment.s,  and  to  accept,  or  to  decline  to  accept,  challenges  to  those  bidding  increments.  All  bids  not  in  whole  dollar 
amounts  may  be  rounded  downward  by  the  auctioneer.  The  auctioneer  may  open  bidding  on  any  lot  by  placing  a bid  on 
behalf  of  the  Seller,  a mail  bidder,  STACK’S,  or  another  participant  in  the  sale.  The  auctioneer  may  bid  further  on 
behalf  of  the  Seller  up  to  the  amount  of  the  reserve  by  placing  succe.ssive  or  con.secutive  bids  for  a lot,  or  by  placing 
bids  in  respon.se  to  other  bidders.  The  auctioneer  may  bid  for  his,  or  its,  own  account  at  any  auction  and  may  have 
access  to  information  concerning  the  lots,  and  items  contained  in  them,  that  are  not  otherwise  available  to  the  public. 
Estimates  givfm  are  ff)r  the  g(>nj!ral  guidance*  of  the  bidder  and  r('pre.s«*nt  the*  opinion  of  the  auctioneer  as  to  the  fair 
market  value  of  the*  numismatic  item  at  the  time  of  cataloguing,  ba.sed  on  experience  and  comparable  sale,  if  applica- 


ble.  The  actual  price  realized  may  be  higher,  or  lower  than  the  estimate.  If  a lot  is  reserved,  the  reserve  may  not 
exceed  the  maximum  estimated  price. 

14.  Auction  sales  are  not  approval  sales.  In  the  event  of  non-payment  by  the  Buyer,  STACK’S  reserves  any  and  all  rights 
that  it  would  be  entitled  to  under  the  Uniform  Commercial  Code,  including  Buyer’s  consent  to  file  a financing 
statement  without  need  of  Buyer’s  signature,  and  to  offset  any  sums  due  on  any  future  consignment  or  purchase  or 
monies  or  goods  in  possession  of  STACK’S  or  its  assigns. 

15.  All  bidders  are  encouraged  to  carefully  examine  all  lots  prior  to  the  sale.  No  lots  will  be  shown  at  the  sale.  STACK’S 
assumes  no  risk,  liability  or  responsibility  for  the  material  (or  other)  facts  stated  concerning  the  numismatic  item, 
except  as  specified  herein.  All  floor  buyers  should  acquaint  themselves  with  the  property  sold  since  STACK’S  will 
assume  that  they  have  done  so  and  requires  that  the  Purchaser  represent  that  they  have.  Bidders  are  deemed  to  have 
satisfied  themselves  as  to  all  of  the  matters  set  forth  in  the  terms  of  sale. 

16.  STACK’S,  as  agent,  offers  a LIMITED  WARRANTY  that  any  numismatic  item  sold  is  authentic  (i.e.,  not  counterfeit, 
that  its  date  or  mintmark  has  not  been  altered,  and  that  the  coin  has  not  been  repaired  as  those  terms  are  used  in  the 
trade).  Except  as  set  forth  in  this  limited  warranty  and  as  may  be  required  by  the  arts  and  cultural  affairs  law,  and  any 
other  law  or  regulation,  all  other  warranties  of  authenticity  of  authorship,  whether  express  or  implied,  are  hereby 
disclaimed. 

17.  Except  as  otherwise  stated  herein,  all  items  offered  in  this  catalogue  are  GUARANTEED  TO  BE  GENUINE  and 
correctly  attributed  as  defined  below. 

18.  (a)  NO  LOT  may  be  returned  for  any  reason  whatsoever  without  the  prior  written  consent  by  STACK’S,  or,  in  any 
event,  if  it  has  been  removed  from  its  original  container.  No  lots  purchased  by  those  who  have  viewed  the  lots 
may  be  returned,  unless  the  limited  warranty  provided  in  these  terms  of  sale  permits  it. 

(b)  Grading  is  a subjective  description  in  the  opinion  of  the  cataloguer  as  to  the  state  of  preservation,  method  of 
strike,  and  overall  appearance  of  a particular  coin  or  lot.  The  term  “proof’  or  “specimen”  is  used  to  describe  a method 
of  manufacture,  and  is  not  a grade  or  condition  or  an  attribution. 

(c)  STACK’S  does  not  represent  that  a numismatic  item  has  or  has  not  been  cleaned;  that  any  toning  is  natural  or 
artificial;  that  any  coin  catalogued  will  meet  the  standards,  or  the  grade,  of  any  third  party  or  third  party  grading 
service;  that  a numismatic  item  has  a particular  provenance  or  pedigree;  that  a numismatic  item  is  struck  or  not 
struck,  or  produced  or  not  produced  in  a particular  manner  or  style. 

(d)  Adjectival  descriptions  and  terminology  (which  can  and  does  vary  among  experts  and  knowledgeable  purchasers), 
when  utilized  in  the  catalogue,  are  strictly  the  opinion  of  the  cataloguer  and  shall  not  be  deemed  to  be  part  of  the 
description;  i.e.  it  is  an  opinion  only  and  not  a warranty  of  any  kind. 

(e)  Grading  descriptions  in  this  catalogue  are  provided  strictly  for  the  convenience  of  those  who  bid  by  mail  and  who 
are  unable  to  personally  view  the  coins,  and  represents  the  cataloguer’s  opinion  of  its  state  of  preservation.  Those 
attending  the  sale,  and  those  bidders  who  actually  view  the  lots  should  draw  their  own  conclusions  as  to  the  state  of 
preservation  or  grade  of  the  numismatic  item. 

(D  STACK’S  may  utilize  numerical  or  adjectival  descriptions,  and  may  include  lots  that  have  been  graded  by  others. 
Opinions  offered  with  respect  to  numismatic  properties  offered  for  sale  by  STACK’S  are  made  at  the  time  that  the 
numismatic  item  is  catalogued,  and  do  not  refer  to  any  prior  or  subsequent  time. 

(g)  Where  STACK’S  sells  a numismatic  item  graded  and  encapsulated  by  a grading  service.  Buyer  acknowledges  and 
agrees  that  other  grading  services,  STACK’S  or  knowledgeable  purchasers  might  reach  a different  conclusion  as  to  the 
state  of  preservation  of  a particular  item,  and  that  STACK’S  has  presented  the  service’s  description  of  the  encapsulated 
item  for  accommodation  only.  Any  such  information  provided  by  STACK’S  is  the  opinion  of  the  third  party,  without 
recourse  against  STACK’S  in  any  way  whatsoever. 

(h)  Except  as  otherwise  expressly  stated  in  the  Terms  of  Sale,  STACK’S  and  its  agents  and  employees  make 
no  warranties  or  guaranties  or  representations,  and  expressly  disclaim  all  warranties  and  guaranties  and 
representations,  including,  without  limitation,  a warranty  of  merchantability,  in  connection  with  any  numis- 
matic properties  sold  by  STACK’S. 

(i)  All  oral  and  written  statements  made  by  STACK’S,  are  statements  of  opinion  only  and  are  not  warranties  or 
representations  of  any  kind,  unless  stated  as  a specific  written  warranty,  and  no  employee  or  agent  of  STACK’S  has 
authority  to  vary  or  alter  these  Terms  of  Sale.  Any  alteration  shall  be  effective  only  if  in  writing  and  signed  by  a 
member  of  the  firm. 

(j)  If  not  so  stated  expressly,  the  grade,  artisanship,  provenance,  or  attribution  is  the  firm’s  opinion  only  on  which  no 
third  party,  including  the  bidder,  is  entitled  to  rely. 

(k)  STACK’S  assumes  no  risk,  liability  or  responsibility  for  the  material  (or  other)  facts  stated  concerning  the 
numismatic  item,  except  as  specified  herein. 

19.  Unless  otherwise  stated,  STACK’S  acts  only  as  agent  for  a Consignor  and  makes  no  independent  warranty  of  title. 
STACK’S  offers  the  following  LIMITED  WARRANTY  to  Buyers  with  respect  to  all  numismatic  items  offered  for  sale. 
STACK’S  warrants  to  all  Buyers  that  the  Consignor  or  the  Seller  has  warranted  good  title  to  property  offered  for  sale. 
Any  such  warranty  is  predicated  on  the  Owner  or  prior  owner  making  the  same  warranty  to  STACK’S,  upon  which  the 
firm  relies.  In  the  event  that  it  is  finally  determined  that  the  Purchaser  has  not  acquired  transferable  title,  STACK’S 
shall  reimburse  the  Purchaser  (if  full  payment  has  already  been  made)  in  accordance  with  these  Terms  of  Sale,  and 
Buyer  agrees  that  this  is  full  compensation  for  any  loss  whatsoever,  whether  actual  or  otherwise.  Tender  of  the  check 
by  STACK’S  to  Buyer  at  the  address  specified  on  the  bid  sheet  or  registration  form  shall  end  the  obligation  of 
STACK’S  to  the  Buyer,  even  if  the  check  is  not  endorsed  or  cashed.  STACK’S  and  the  Consignor  make  no  representa- 
tions or  warranty  that  the  Purchaser  acquires  any  reproduction  rights  or  copyright  in  property  purchased  at  the  sale. 

20.  STACK’S  further  expressly  disclaims  all  warranties  relating  to  the  grade,  condition,  identification  of  the  periods  or 
date  of  coining  or  manufacture  or  methods  of  manufacture  of  property  which  is  inaccurate,  or  may  be  proved  inaccu- 
rate, by  means  of  scientific  process  or  research  which  is  not  generally  accepted  for  use  until  after  the  sale. 

21.  STACK’S  reminds  the  Buyer  that  the  grading  or  condition  of  rare  coins  may  have  a material  effect  on  the  value  of  the 


22. 


23. 


24. 


25. 


26. 


27. 

28. 


29. 

30. 


31. 


.32. 


33. 


34. 


items  purchased;  that  others  may  differ  with  the  grading  opinions  or  interpretations  of  STACK’S;  that  such  difference 
of  opinion  (including  whether  the  coin  has  been  cleaned,  or  is  or  is  not  of  a particular  grade  or  quality)  is  not 
grounds  to  return  an  item  purchased;  and  that  all  sales  of  items  viewed  by  a Purchaser  in  advance  of  a sale,  even  if 
the  sale  is  by  mail,  are  final. 

By  purchasing  in  this  sale.  Buyer  agrees  that  they  shall  have  no  recourse  against  the  Consignor  for  any  reason 
whatsoever.  In  the  event  that  a warranty  is  offered  with  respect  to  grade  or  state  of  preservation  or  condition,  it  shall 
be  a specific  warranty,  in  writing,  signed  by  a member  of  STACK’S,  and  shall  specify  its  terms  and  conditions  and 
duration.  If  any  numismatic  item  is  damaged  in  its  removal  from  encapsulation,  or  during  its  encapsulation,  it  is  at 
the  sole  risk  of  the  Purchaser.  Because  of  the  fungibility  of  numismatic  items,  any  item  removed  from  its  holder  may 
not  be  returned  for  any  reason  whatsoever. 

(a)  On  any  claim  made  by  a bidder,  STACK’S  must  be  advised  in  writing  sent  within  seven  days  after  receipt  of 
the  material,  or  the  date  of  the  sale,  whichever  is  the  later;  these  dates  apply  whether  or  not  the  Buyer  has  received 
the  material.  The  disputed  property  must  be  returned  to  STACK’S  in  the  same  condition  as  sold  by  STACK’S,  in 
the  same  holder. 

(b)  These  conditions  are  binding  and  absolute  unless  varied  in  writing  by  a principal  of  STACK’S  or  if  the  bylaws, 
rules  or  regulations  of  the  Professional  Numismatists  Guild,  Inc.,  provide  for  a longer  period,  or  give  the  Buyer  a 
greater  right,  in  which  case  such  bylaws,  rules  or  regulations  shall  prevail.  Any  and  all  claims  of  the  Buyer  made  in 
violation  of  the  Terms  of  Sale  shall  be  deemed  waived,  and  the  Buyer  shall  be  without  further  recourse. 

If  STACK’S,  in  its  sole  discretion,  determines  that  any  numismatic  property  is  substantially  and  materially  different 
from  that  represented  in  the  catalogue  of  sale,  or  in  any  written  advertisement  or  material,  the  sale  shall  be  cancelled 
and  STACK’S  shall  refund  the  purchase  price  to  the  Buyer.  Unless  provided  otherwise  in  these  terms  or  the  PNG 
bylaws,  that  shall  be  STACK’S  sole  obligation  to  Buyer. 

The  auctioneer  and  cataloguer,  STACK’S,  reserves  the  right  to  include  its  own  material  in  any  auction  sale.  The 
auctioneer  may  have  direct  or  indirect  interests  in  these,  and  other  items  (other  than  its  commission),  and  may  collect 
a minimum  price  in  addition  to  the  selling  commission.  This  paragraph  shall  be  deemed  a part  of  the  description  of  all 
lots  contained  in  the  catalogue.  The  catalogue  shall  also  be  deemed  a part  of  any  invoice  issued  by  the  auctioneer.  The 
auctioneer  may  make  loans  or  advances  to  consignors  and/or  prospective  purchasers.  The  Consignor  may  be  permitted 
to  bid  on  his,  her  or  their  own  articles  and  to  buy  them  back  at  the  sale.  Any  Buyer  who  bids  on  or  purchases  their 
own  goods  is  required  to  pay  for  them,  in  full,  as  the  terms  of  sale  provide  for  together  with  the  full  buyer’s  commis- 
sion, and  any  other  applicable  surcharges,  postage,  handling,  insurance  fees  and  taxes,  without  rebate  of  any  kind 
whatsoever,  unless  provided  for  otherwise  by  contract  with  the  auctioneer.  The  auctioneer  reserves  the  right  to  make 
accounting  adjustments  in  lieu  of  payment.  Settlement  will  follow  the  auction.  The  prices  realized  reflect  the  final 
price  called  by  the  auctioneer  and  may  include  a bid  of  a consignor  reacquiring  their  lot. 

STACK’S,  the  auctioneer,  and  employees  are  “insiders”  and  may  have  access  to  confidential  information  not  otherwise 
available  to  the  public  with  respect  to  value,  provenance,  availability,  and  other  factors.  Purchasers  should  make 
themselves  acquainted  with  the  numismatic  items  that  they  are  purchasing  and  avail  themselves  of  the  services  of 
outside  consultants  prior  to  engaging  in  any  purchase.  Bids  are  so  much  per  LOT.  No  lots  will  be  broken  up  unless 
otherwise  stated. 


No  bidder  shall  have  any  claim  against  the  auctioneer,  or  STACK’S,  for  improper  sequence  of  offering  a lot. 

On  bullion  items,  bullion-like  items,  and  encapsulated  items  graded  by  a grading  service.  Buyer  agrees  that  there 
shall  be  no  right  of  return  for  any  reason  whatsoever.  Buyer  further  agrees  that  due  to  market  volatility,  in  event  of 
non-payment,  STACK’S  shall  be  entitled  to  damages  that  are  the  greater  of  selling  price  or  market,  together  with  any 
supplementary  or  additional  costs. 

STACK’S  at  any  time  may  rescind  the  sale  in  the  event  of  non-payment  or  breach  of  the  warranty  of  title. 

The  sole  remedy  that  any  participant  in  the  auction  shall  have,  whether  bidding  in  person,  by  mail,  or  through  an 
employee  or  agent,  for  any  claim  or  controversy  arising  out  of  the  auction  shall  be  a refund  of  the  original  purchase 
price  and  premium  paid,  if  any.  Interest  shall  be  paid  by  STACK’S  at  a rate  of  no  greater  than  nine  per  cent  (9%)  per 
annum,  up  to  a maximum  of  six  (6)  years,  unless  the  rules  of  the  Professional  Numismatists  Guild,  Inc.  provide  for  a 
higher  rate  of  interest  or  a longer  period  of  time,  in  which  case  such  rules  shall  prevail.  A lower  rate,  or  shorter 
period,  may  be  decided  by  the  arbitrators.  Upon  payment  as  determined  by  the  arbitrators,  or  in  full  at  the  maximum 
rates  set  forth  above,  or  at  an  agreed  rate,  STACK’S  shall  be  deemed  released  from  any  and  all  claims  of  the  bidder 
arising  out  of  or  in  connection  with  the  sale  of  such  property.  Purchaser  agrees  to  execute  prior  to  delivery  of  any 
refund  any  documents  reasonably  requested  to  effect  the  intent  of  this  paragraph.  By  bidding  in  this  sale,  all  bidders 
consent  to  these  terms  and  all  other  terms  of  these  conditions  of  sale. 

STACK’S  hereby  disclaims  all  liability  for  damages,  incidental,  consequential  or  otherwise,  arising  out  of  or 
in  connection  with  the  sale  of  any  property  by  STACK’S  to  Purchaser.  All  bidders,  even  if  unsuccessful  purchas- 
ers, agree  to  abide  by  this  condition,  and  all  other  conditions  of  sale. 

All  rights  granted  to  the  Purchaser  under  the  within  terms  of  sale  are  personal  to  the  Purchaser.  Purchaser  may  not 
assign  or  transfer  any  of  these  rights  to  any  other  person  or  entity,  whether  by  operation  of  law  or  otherwise.  Any 
attempt  so  to  assign  or  transfer  any  such  rights  shall  be  absolutely  VOID  and  unenforceable.  No  third  party  may  rely 
on  any  benefit  or  right  conferred  by  these  Terms  and  Conditions  of  Sale  and  terms  of  warranty  on  any  bidder  or 
Purcha.ser. 


“F’urcha.ser”  shall  mean  the  original  purchaser  of  the  property  from  STACK’S  and  not  any  subsequent  owner  or  other 
person  who  may  have  or  acquire  an  intere.st  therein.  If  Purchaser  is  an  agent,  the  agency  must  be  disclo.sed  at  the  time 
of  sale,  otherwise  the  benefits  of  the  warranty  shall  be  limited  to  the  agent  and  not  transferable  to  the  undisclosed 
principal. 


Should  any  third  party  attempt  to  utilize  any  warranties  contained  herein,  they  shall  first  give 
days  written  notice  by  Registered  Mail  or  Certified  Mail  Ki'turn  Kecc'ipt  Requc'sted  during  which 


STACK’S  thirty  (30) 
time  STACK'S  may. 


should  it  choose  to  contest  the  third  party’s  claim,  ask  the  Professional  Numismatists  Guild,  Inc.,  or  the  American 
Arbitration  Association  to  appoint  a panel  of  three  arbitrators  skilled  in  the  field  to  make  such  a determination  at 
New  York,  N.Y.  By  seeking  to  use  such  remedy,  the  third  party  unequivocally  and  without  reservation  consents  to 
binding  arbitration,  and  its  conclusive  and  binding  determination  of  any  alleged  damages  as  a sole  remedy.  With 
respect  to  any  other  pertinent  notice  requirements,  venue  and  personal  and  subject  matter  jurisdiction,  said  third 
party  is  bound  to  the  provisions  pertaining  to  bidders,  buyers  and  purchasers,  as  otherwise  provided  for  in  these  Terms 
of  Sale. 

35.  In  the  event  STACK’S  shall,  for  any  reason,  be  unable  to  deliver  the  property  sought  to  be  purchased,  its  liability 
therefore  shall  be  limited  to  the  rescission  of  the  sale  and  refund  of  the  purchase  price  and  buyer’s  premium. 

STACK’S  hereby  disclaims  all  liability  for  damages,  incidental,  consequential  or  otherwise,  arising  out  of  its 
failure  to  deliver  any  property  purchased,  and  all  bidders  agree  to  this  disclaimer. 

36.  If  it  is  determined  that  a bailment  relationship  exists  while  the  material  purchased  is  being  held  by  STACK’S,  for 
Purchaser,  said  relationship  constitutes  a gratuitous  bailment  only,  solely  for  the  benefit  of  the  purchaser/bailor,  as 
defined  by  the  laws  of  the  State  of  New  York. 

37.  As  a condition  of  bidding,  bidder  acknowledges  that  numismatic  auction  sales  are  unique  in  terms  of  their  tradition 
and  industry  practices.  Each  bidder  agrees  that  any  claim  or  controversy  whatsoever  arising  out  of  this  sale 
shall  be  settled  as  follows:  if  demanded  by  either  buyer,  or  STACK’S  by  binding  arbitration  at  New  York,  New  York, 
under  the  rules  then  obtaining  of  the  Professional  Numismatists  Guild,  Inc.,  or  as  PNG  rules  may  provide,  the 
American  Arbitration  Association.  In  the  event  that  a dispute  arises  between  STACK’S  and  a non-member  of  the  PNG, 
this  means  that  the  American  Arbitration  Association,  at  New  York,  N.Y.,  shall  have  exclusive  jurisdiction  over  the 
controversy.  In  any  controversy  concerning  non-payment,  STACK’S  shall  have  the  right  to  proceed  by  arbitration  or  by 
a proceeding  in  any  court  of  competent  jurisdiction  in  the  City,  County,  and  State  of  New  York,  whichever  is  first 
commenced  by  STACK’S.  The  arbitrator  shall  not  have  the  power  to  alter  the  terms  of  condition  of  sale.  Judgment  on 
any  award  may  be  entered  in  any  court  of  competent  jurisdiction.  The  arbitrators,  and  any  court,  shall  award  the 
prevailing  party  costs  and  reasonable  attorney  fees.  By  bidding  in  this  sale  you  agree  to  be  bound  by  the  arbitration 
provisions  of  the  PNG  as  described  above.  Commencement  of  an  arbitral  proceeding,  or  confirmation  of  an  award,  as 
well  as  any  notice  requirements  connected  with  such  proceeding,  and  any  other  required  service  of  process,  may  be 
made  by  STACK’S  upon  all  bidders  by  registered  or  certified  mail  directed  to  the  address  of  the  bidder  or  purchaser  as 
listed  on  the  bid  sheet  or  application  or  form  required  at  the  time  that  a bidder  number  is  issued,  or  by  facsimile 
transmission  with  proof  of  receipt.  Bidder  agrees  that  such  service  shall  constitute  full  in  personam  jurisdiction.  The 
venue  for  such  proceedings  shall  be  the  City  of  New  York,  State  of  New  York  and  each  bidder  agrees  to  in  personam 
(personal)  jurisdiction  of  the  City  of  New  York,  State  of  New  York.  In  all  cases,  the  maximum  liability  of  STACK’S  for 
any  item  sold  shall  be  limited  to  the  official  price  of  record  of  the  item  at  this  sale,  without  provision  for  consequential 
damages,  or  any  other  damages  of  any  kind  whatsoever,  unless  the  PNG  rules  provide  otherwise. 

38.  If  the  Purchaser  fails  to  comply  with  one  or  more  of  these  Terms  and  Conditions  of  Sale  then,  in  addition  to  all  other 
remedies  which  it  may  have  at  law  or  in  equity,  STACK’S  may,  at  its  sole  option,  either  (a)  cancel  the  sale,  retaining 
as  liquidated  damages  all  payments  made  by  the  Purchaser,  it  being  recognized  that  actual  damages  may  be  specula- 
tive or  difficult  to  compute,  or  (b)  sell  some  or  all  of  the  numismatic  property  and  some  or  all  other  property  of  the 
Purchaser  held  by  STACK’S,  in  a quantity  sufficient  in  the  opinion  of  STACK’S  to  satisfy  the  indebtedness,  plus  all 
accrued  charges.  More  than  one  such  sale  may  take  place  at  the  option  of  STACK’S.  Such  sale  may  take  place  without 
notice  to  Purchaser;  if  STACK’S  gives  notice,  it  shall  be  by  regular  mail  to  the  address  utilized  on  the  bid  sheet, 
consignment  agreement  or  other  address  known  to  the  firm.  Such  sale  will  be  at  STACK’S  standard  commission  rates 
at  public  or  private  sale,  within  or  without  the  City  of  New  York,  at  which  time  (if  the  sale  be  at  auction)  the 
defaulting  party  shall  not  bid.  The  proceeds  shall  be  applied  first  to  the  satisfaction  of  any  damages  occasioned  by 
Purchaser’s  breach,  and  then  to  the  payment  of  any  other  indebtedness  owing  to  STACK’S,  including  without  limita- 
tion, commissions,  handling  charges,  the  expenses  of  both  sales,  reasonable  legal  fees  and  collection  agency  fees  and 
any  other  costs  or  expenses  incurred  hereunder.  If  a lot  or  numismatic  item  is  not  paid  for,  and  is  sold  by  STACK’S  for 
Purchaser’s  account,  in  accordance  with  the  Uniform  Commercial  Code,  STACK’S  shall  not  be  required  to  account  to 
the  Purchaser  for  any  excess  proceeds.  Purchaser  is  also  liable  to  STACK’S  if  the  proceeds  of  such  sale  or  sales  is 
insufficient  in  the  opinion  of  STACK’S  to  cover  the  indebtedness.  If  other  property  of  Purchaser  is  also  sold,  any  excess 
of  proceeds  will  be  remitted  to  the  Purchaser  after  first  deducting  the  expenses  set  forth  above.  If  Purchaser  fails  to 
remit  sums  due  to  STACK’S,  Purchaser  grants  to  STACK’S  a lien  with  respect  to  such  sum,  with  interest  to  accrue 
thereon  at  the  judgment  rate,  until  actually  paid,  which  lien  shall  apply  against  any  property  of  Purchaser,  including 
any  future  goods  of  Purchaser  coming  into  possession  of  STACK’S.  Purchaser  hereby  waives  all  the  requirements 
of  notice,  advertisement  and  disposition  of  proceeds  required  by  law,  including  those  set  forth  in  New  York 
lien  law,  article  9,  sections  200-204  inclusive,  or  any  successor  statute,  with  respect  to  any  sale.  Purchaser 
waives  a right  to  redeem. 

39.  The  auctioneer  reserves  the  right  to  postpone  the  sale  by  auction  for  a reasonable  period  of  time  as  a result  of  any 
significant  event  which,  in  the  sole  discretion  of  the  auctioneer,  makes  it  advisable  to  postpone  the  event.  No  bidder  or 
prospective  bidder  or  purchaser  or  prospective  purchaser  shall  have  recourse  as  a result  of  any  postponement.  In  any 
event,  no  person  may  bid  without  registering,  and  ALL  REGISTERED  BIDDERS  including  mail  bidders  and  agents  by 
registering  or  bidding  agree  to  all  of  the  above  Terms  and  Conditions  of  Sale. 

40.  By  bidding  or  offering  to  bid,  bidders  acknowledge  that  they  have  read  all  of  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  Sale  and 
warranty  contained  herein  and  that  they  accept  these  terms  and  conditions  without  reservation.  STACK’S  reserves  the 
right  to  vary  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  Sale  by  rider  or  other  means  communicated  to  bidders.  By  purchasing  from 
STACK’S,  whether  present  in  person,  or  by  agent,  by  written  bid,  telephone  or  any  other  means,  the  bidder  agrees  to 
be  bound  by  these  Terms  and  Conditions  of  Sale. 

41.  ALL  ITEMS  ILLUSTRATED  ARE  OF  THE  ACTUAL  ITEMS  BEING  SOLD. 


C Copyright  1996  by  STACK'S  New  York  City.  All  righU  in  this  catalogue  are  reserved.  No  part  of  the  contents  may  be  reproduced  or  used  in  any  manner  whats<iever  with- 
out the  written  permission  of  the  copyright  holder. 


MICHAEL  R PRICE 

Michael  F.  Price  is  a name  well  known  in  the  world  of  value  investing,  the  art  of  identi- 
fying companies  whose  intrinsic  worth  is  far  greater  than  the  value  the  market  places  upon 
them.  Readers  of  investment  publications  such  as  Barron’s,  Forbes,  Investor’s  Daily,  the 
Wall  Street  Journal,  and  others  will  have  seen  his  exploits  reported  or  read  his  sage  advice 
and  counsel  regarding  securities  investment.  His  chief  claim  to  fame  comes  from  his  deft 
management  — through  Heine  Securities  Corporation  — of  Mutual  Series  Fund,  Inc.,  which 
consists  of  five  individual  funds  whose  records  have  ranked  them  among  the  best  performing 
of  all  the  myriad  mutual  funds  offered  in  the  market  today. 

Michael  Price  grew  up  on  New  York's  Long  Island,  and  then  attended  the  University  of 
Oklahoma.  After  graduation,  he  worked  briefly  for  the  brokerage  firm  of  Grunthal  and 
Company  in  Manhattan.  His  phenomenal  career  took  off  in  1975  when  he  joined  the  leg- 
endary Max  L.  Heine,  working  with  him  in  nurturing  Mutual  Shares  Corporation.  At  that 
time  Mutual  Shares  had  a fine  record  and  assets  totalling  $5,000,000.  The  rest  is  history;  the 
original  fund  has  grown  to  five:  Mutual  Shares  Fund,  Mutual  Qualified  Fund,  Mutual  Bea- 
con F und.  Mutual  Discovery  Fund  and  Mutual  European  Fund. 

Assets  have  grown  to  the  $1 7 billion  they  are  today.  For  Price,  the  essence  of  the  job 
remains  the  same:  digging  behind  the  published  facts  and  figures  of  companies  to  find  a dol- 
lar of  value  selling  for  fifty  or  sixty  cents. 

As  with  all  very  public  persons,  Michael  Price  has  a private  side  as  well.  To  a degree  his 
interest  in  activities  such  as  polo  are  known,  but  his  interest  in  classical  numismatics  has 
gone  unnoticed.  So  it  is  with  pride  that  Stack's  presents  that  other  private  side  of  the  man  — 
his  distinguished  collection  of  Greek  and  Roman  coins. 

Michael  Price's  active  mind  was  already  weighing  the  possibilities  of  ancient  Greek  and 
Roman  coins  when  his  attention  was  riveted  by  Stack's  landmark  September  1983  catalogue 
of  Selections  from  the  J.  Pierpont  Morgan  Collection  of  Greek  and  Roman  Coins.  In  fact,  the 
parallels  between  Morgan  and  Price  are  remarkable.  Morgan  was  a world  class  financier 
drawn  to  the  beauty  and  lore  of  ancient  coins.  He  assembled  a collection  comprising  a rela- 
tively small  number  of  coins,  representing  the  highest  quality  then  obtainable. 

Michael  Price  is  a financier  of  recognized  achievement,  as  was  Morgan  decades  before 
him.  Also  like  Morgan,  he  possesses  a rare  sense  of  the  enduring  beauty,  historical  and  artis- 
tic significance  and  value  of  the  classic  coins  of  the  ancients.  Influenced  by  Stack's  catalogu- 
ing  of  the  J.  Pierpont  Morgan  Greek  and  Roman  coins.  Price  set  out  to  make  his  own  mark 
in  the  world  of  ancient  coins.  The  rest  is  history,  and  the  success  of  his  quest  may  be  judged 
by  this  catalogue  of  the  Price  Collection  of  ancient  coins. 

His  eye  was  first  taken  by  the  beauty  of  classical  and  Hellenistic  Greek  Silver.  As  he  added 
pieces  and  gained  experience  Michael  came  to  appreciate  the  stark  power  of  the  archaic 
Greek  Silver  and  its  importance  as  part  of  the  foundations  of  our  western  heritage.  Both  Sil- 
ver and  Gold  coins  were  added  to  the  collection. 

The  idealized  portraiture  of  Hellenistic  times  came  to  be  compared  with  the  realistic  por- 
traiture of  the  Romans.  The  vibrant  history  of  imperatorial  times  and  the  early  empire  espe- 
cially appealed  to  him,  and  the  quest  for  the  Twelve  Caesars  in  Gold  was  alluring  — and 
completed.  Perhaps  the  ‘7,  Claudius"  series  also  led  to  the  acquisition  ofsixAurei  of  Robert 
Graves'  hero. 

From  this  foundation  came  the  extension  into  later  Roman  times.  A special  emphasis  was 
given  to  dynastic  issues,  undoubtedly  for  their  historical  importance. 

Even  the  casual  viewer  cannot  fail  to  notice  the  many  rarities  and  the  consistent  high 
quality  of  these  pieces.  All  were  chosen  with  a keen  eye  and  a profound  feeling  for  antiquity. 
They  all  reflect  the  deep  connoisseurship  of  a leader  of  America's  financial  sector.  The  new 
owners  of  these  splendid  works  of  ancient  art  will  savor  them  for  their  important  prove- 
nance, as  well  as  the  beauty  of  their  classical  designs. 

It  is  with  great  excitement  and  appreciation  that  Stack's  is  privileged  to  offer  this  most 
impressive  and  important  collection  at  public  auction.  Not  only  is  the  collection  a great 
achievement,  hut  on  a more  intimate  note,  Michael  has  been  a close  personal  friend  of  Larry 
Stack  for  over  three  decades.  Both  went  from  grade  to  high  school  together  on  I^mg  Island, 
and  though  they  went  to  different  universities,  their  friendship  has  endured  through  the 
years.  In  our  eyes  there  is  nothing  of  any  greater  value. 


Public  Auction  Sale 
FIRST  SESSION 

TUESDAY  EVENING,  DECEMBER  3,  1996 
6:30  P.M.  SHARP 
LOTS  1 - 257 


IMPORTANT  NOTICE 

In  accordance  with  the  terms  of  sale,  each  successful  bidder  also  agrees  to  pay  a 
buyer’s  charge  often  percent  (10%)  of  the  winning  hid  recognized  by  the  auctioneer. 


The  Michael  R Price  Collection 

of 

Greek  and  Roman  Coins 
GREEK  COINS 
MAGNA  GRAECIA 
CALABRIA 


1 TARENTUM.  Calabria.  334-330  B.C.  Gold  Vs  Stater.  Helmeted  head  of  Athena  r.  Rv.  Taras  in  biga  r.;  star  above,  dolphin 
below.  2.87  grams.  Vlasto  19.  Reverse  slightly  double  struck.  Lovely  style.  Nearly  Extremely  Fine.  (4,000-6,000) 

Founded  in  the  8th  Century  B.C.,  Tarentum  was  Sparta’s  only  colony.  Endowed  with  a splendid  harbor  and  a rich  hinterland,  Taren- 
tum  became  the  most  important  Greek  city  in  Southern  Italy  during  the  5th  and  4th  centuries.  An  ancient  tradition  tells  how  Taras,  the 
founder  of  the  first  settlement  on  the  site  later  to  become  known  as  Tarentum,  was  miraculously  saved  from  a shipwreck  by  the  interven- 
tion of  his  father  Poseidon  who  sent  a dolphin  on  whose  back  he  was  carried  to  shore.  The  splendid  gold  fraction  above  comes  from  the 
time  of  the  Italian  campaigns  of  Alexander  the  Molossian,  king  of  Epiros  and  uncle  of  Alexander  the  Great.  Responding  to  the  appeals  of 
Tarentum,  as  well  as  their  pay,  much  of  it  in  newly  minted  gold  coins,  he  beat  back  the  Italian  tribes  threatening  Tarentum.  His  very  suc- 
cess made  him  a threat  to  Tarentine  independence.  This  menace  ended  abruptly  when  Alexander  was  treacherously  slain,  thereby  freeing 
Tarentum  from  both  native  and  foreign  threats  for  a time. 


2 TARENTUM.  272-235  B.C.  Didrachm.  Warrior  with  helmet  and  shield  on  horse  walking  1.;  EY+  to  1.,  APIlTilN  faintly  visi- 
ble below.  Rv.  Taras  on  dolphin  1.  holding  hippocamp  and  trident;  TAPAl  below,  K2N  behind.  6.49  grams.  Vlasto  928.  Full  flan. 
Extremely  Fine.  1 600-800’ 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 7 — 


Prices  in  i i arc  Estimates  Onh 


LUCANIA 


METAPONTUM.  Lucania.  400-350  B.C.  Stater.  Female  head  1.  Rv.  Ear  of  barley;  owl  on  leaf  to  r.;  MET  upwards  to  1.  7.81 
grams.  Noe  46  (this  coin).  Obverse  a bit  soft.  Dark  tone.  Close  to  Extremely  Fine.  (800-1  200) 

Ex  Stack’s  J.P.  Morgan  Sale  (September  14,  1983,  lot  20);  Strozzi  Collection  996. 

Metapontum  was  founded  by  Achaeans  at  an  early  period.  Its  location  on  a fertile  plain  by  the  Gulf  of  Tarentum  accounts  for  both  its 
name,  meaning  beside  the  sea  and  its  civic  badge,  an  ear  of  barley. 


4  METAPONTUM.  Ca.  350  B.C.  Gold  Vs  Stater.  Head  of  Nike  3/4  face  to  r.,  NIKA  to  r.  Rv.  Ear  of  barley;  METAHON  upwards  to 
1.  2.60  grams.  SNG  ANS  396.  Choice  Very  Fine.  (4  000-6  000) 

This  remarkable  gold  fraction,  like  the  Tarentine  gold  coin  above,  is  undoubtedly  associated  with  the  campaigns  of  Alexander  the 
Molossian,  who  came  to  Italy  in  334  B.C.  as  champion  of  the  Greeks  against  the  Italian  tribes. 


5  METAPONTUM.  Ca.  330  B.C.  Gold  Vs  Stater.  Helmeted  head  of  Leukippos  r.;  AEYKinnOZ  above.  Rv.  Two  ears  of  corn, 
flanked  by  [M]-E,  II  below.  2.83  grams.  SNG  Lockett  404.  Close  to  Extremely  Fine  and  choice.  (4,000-6,000) 

Metapontum  was  destroyed  and  refounded  from  Sybaris  under  the  leadership  of  Leukippos,  depicted  here,  early  in  the  6th  Century  B.C. 
The  appearance  of  the  type  at  this  time  suggests  a celebration  of  the  city’s  autonomy. 


6  IHURIUM.  Lucania.  400-350  B.C.  Stater.  Athena  head  r.,  Skylla  on  helmet.  Rv.  Bull  butting  r.,  tunny  in  ex.;  OEYFUlN 
above.  7.56  grams.  SNG  ANS  1004.  Medium  gray.  Obverse  weak.  Choice  Very  Fine.  (400-600' 

I hiirium  was  founded  in  452  by  refugees  from  the  wealthy  city  of  Sybaris,  which  had  been  destroyed  earlier  by  its  neighbor  Krt4on. 
Hefounded  in  443  by  colonists  from  Athens  and  other  cities,  Thuriurn  quickly  became  an  important  power  in  Southern  Italy,  tvlipsing 
Krotnn  and  vying  with  'I arentiirn  for  control  of  the  fertile  southern  eoast  of  Lucania.  The  appearance  of  the  Athena  head  on  the  i'oinage 
undoubtedly  alludes  to  the  origin  of  many  of  the  colonists  of  443. 


All  illu  'trationn  are  enlarged 


H 


Brices  in  ; ■ atr  Estimates  Gnl\ 


BRUTTIUM 


7 RHEGION.  Bruttium.  Ca.  405  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Lion’s  scalp  facing.  Rv.  Laureate  head  of  Apollo  r.,  olive  sprig  behind; 
PHriNON  to  r.  17.17  grams.  Herzfelder  86.  Finest  high  classical  style  and  quality.  Darkly  toned.  Extremely  Fine. 

(40,000-50,000) 

Rhegion  was  colonized  from  Chalkis  about  720  B.C.  The  city  was  outside  the  commercial  and  military  sphere  of  Kroton  and  Sybaris. 
Consequently  it  became  closely  connected  with  her  sister  Chalkidian  colonies  in  Sicily.  In  494  B.C.,  after  the  Persian  reconquest,  exiles 
from  Ionia,  chiefly  Samians,  landed  in  Italy  and  were  persuaded  by  Anaxilas,  tyrant  of  Rhegion,  to  cross  the  Straits  to  Sicily  and  seize 
the  town  of  Zancle,  later  named  Messana.  Once  victorious,  the  Samians  were  then  either  expelled  or  subjugated  by  an  ungrateful  Anaxi- 
las. Curiously,  the  facing  lion’s  head  seems  to  have  been  adopted  in  Rhegion  after  the  death  of  Anaxilas  in  476  B.C.  as  a modification  of 
the  badge  of  the  city  of  Samos  and  an  expression  of  liberation  from  tyranny. 


SICILY 

AKRAGAS 


8 AKRAGAS.  Ca.  420  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Quadriga  driven  r.  by  charioteer,  being  crowned  by  Nike;  sea-serpent  in  ex.  Rv.  Two 
eagles,  one  with  head  raised  and  screaming,  the  other  with  head  lowered,  both  standing  with  dead  hare  in  claws,  cicado  to  1.,  A 
below.  17.10  grams.  Rizzo  PI. 2.4  (same  dies),  Gulbenkian  167  (same  dies).  Pleasing  medium  gray  tone.  Wonderful  style  and 
very  rare.  Nice  Very  Fine.  (12,000-15,000) 

Ex  Miinzen  and  Medaillen  Sale  6 (October  1982,  lot  34);  Stack’s  Sale  (December  9,  1991,  lot  114). 

Akragas  was  founded  from  nearby  Gela  in  582  B.C.  in  fertile  territory  on  the  southwestern  coast  of  Sicily.  It  soon  eclipsed  the  mother 
city  in  wealth  and  splendour  and  ranked  second  only  to  Syracuse  among  Sicilian  cities.  The  zenith  of  its  power  was  reached  in  the  reign 
of  the  tyrant  Theron,  488-472  B.C.  Theron  was  an  aggressive  general  who,  along  with  Gelon  of  Syracuse,  won  a decisive  victory  over  the 
Carthaginians  in  480  B.C.  Under  his  patronage  Akragas  became  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  renowned  of  Greek  cities  of  the  period. 
Upon  his  death  in  472  B.C.,  a democracy  was  established  and  an  extended  period  of  unrivalled  prosperity  began  which  ended  only  with 
the  Carthaginian  invasion  of  406  B.C. 


— 9 — 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


Prices  in  ( ■ are  Estimates  Onh 


KATANE 

TWO  EXTRAORDINARY  TETRADRACHMS  BY  HERAKLEIDAS 


9 KATANE.  Ca.  405  B.C.  Tetradrachm,  by  Herakleidas.  Laureate  head  of  Apollo,  Vi  face  to  L,  artist’s  signature  partly  visible  to 
r.  Rv.  Quadriga  r.  driven  by  charioteer  crowned  by  Nike;  column  in  background,  fish  and  KATANAIHN  in  ex.  17.17  grams. 
Rizzo  PI. 14.  11  (obv.),  13  (rv.),  SNG  ANS  1257.  Finest  style.  Extremely  Fine/Choice  Very  Fine.  (35,000-45,000) 

Katana,  originally  colonized  from  Naxos,  was  captured  by  Hieron  of  Syracuse  in  476  B.C.  and  re-colonized  with  Syracusans.  In 
approximately  450  B.C.  the  depictions  of  the  river  god  Amenanos  and  Nike  were  replaced  by  types  which  had  become  almost  universally 
adopted  in  Sicily,  the  racing  chariot  derived  from  the  coinage  of  Sicily  and  the  head  of  the  principal  deity  of  the  locality.  In  the  case  of 
Katana,  the  patron  god  was  Apollo.  The  masterful  rendition  of  the  head,  beautifully  shown  on  this  and  on  the  lot  below,  clearly  marked 
the  artist,  Herakleidas,  as  one  of  the  foremost  engravers  of  the  period.  Generally  influenced  by  the  contemporary  work  ofKimon,  Heraklei- 
das managed  to  inject  his  own  elements  of  serenity  and  warmth  of  expression  into  the  portrait. 


10  KATANE.  Ca.  405  B.C.  Tetradrachm,  by  Herakleidas.  Laureate  head  of  Apollo,  % face  to  1.,  artist’s  signature  HPAK\  visible 
to  r.  Rv.  Quadriga  1.  driven  by  charioteer  being  crowned  by  Nike,  KATANAIflN  and  fish  in  ex.  17.05  grams.  SNG  ANS  Dewing 
586,  Rizzo  PI. 14. 11,  Gulbenkian  192.  Exceptional  style.  Some  minor  deposits  of  horn  silver  and  some  slight  granularity.  Never- 
theless, Extremely  Fine  with  a remarkable  depiction  of  the  god.  (35,000-45,000) 


All  illu..lr(iti(inH  art’  enlarged 


— 10  — 


Trices  in  ( Girc  Bstimates  Only 


GELA 


11  GELA.  Ca.  465-450  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Slow  quadriga  driven  r.  by  standing  charioteer  with  goad,  column  with  Ionic  capital  on 
plinth  behind.  Rv.  Forepart  of  man-headed  bull  r.,  large  head;  CEAAZ  above.  16.84  grams.  Jenkins  212.  Types  fully  visible  on  a 
broad  flan,  elongated  diagonally.  Minor  deposits  on  the  edge.  Choice  Very  Fine  with  attractive  pale  gray  toning.  (1,500-2,000) 

Gela  was  founded  in  688  by  a population  including  both  Cretans  and  Rhodians.  One  of  its  tyrants,  Gelon,  made  himself  master  of 
Syracuse  at  which  time  he  transported  a large  portion  of  the  city’s  population  to  his  new  capital.  This  city’s  prosperity  began  to  wane 
until  466,  when  the  dynasty  of  Gelon  was  expelled  from  Syracuse  and  the  refugees  from  Gela  returned  to  their  native  town.  The  city  once 
again  enjoyed  considerable  prosperity  until  its  destruction  by  the  Carthaginians  in  405  B.C. 

12  GELA.  Ca.  406  B.C.  Gold  Litra.  Forepart  of  bridled  horse  r.  Rv.  Head  of  nymph  Sosipolis  1.,  hair  in  sphendone;  ZQXinOAlX  to 

1.  0.87  grams.  SNG  Lloyd  980,  Jenkins  491.  Extremely  Fine  and  rare.  (3,000-4,000) 

The  goddess  Sosipolis  was  the  guardian  divinity  of  the  city,  often  shown  crowning  the  river  god  Gelas.  The  appearance  of  a gold  issue 
at  this  time  is  undoubtedly  related  to  the  war  against  Carthage  and  the  hiring  of  mercenaries  for  this  ultimately  disastrous  war. 

MESSANA 


13  MESSANA.  450-435  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Biga  of  mules  driven  r.  by  nymph  Messana;  MEZIENA  above  and  to  r.  Rv.  Hare  run- 
ning r.,  dolphin  r.  below;  MEIZANION  around.  BMFA  291.  17.24  grams.  Dark  gray.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (3,500-4,500) 
Ex  Stack’s  J.P.  Morgan  Sale  (September  14,  1983,  lot  26). 

In  461  B.C.  the  sons  of  the  Tyrant  Anaxilas  of  Rhegion  were  expelled  from  Messana  and  a democracy  was  established.  The  old  types,  the 
biga  or  mules  and  hare,  were  continued,  but  the  standing  figure  of  the  city  goddess  Messana  was  substituted  for  the  seated,  bearded  charioteer. 

SELINUS 


14  SELINUS.  Sicily.  520-490  B.C.  Archaic  Stater.  Selinon  leaf.  Rv.  Incuse  divided  into  ten  triangular  compartments,  alternately 
raised  and  lowered.  8.94  grams.  SNG  ANS  676.  Pale  gray  toning.  F.D.C.  (1,500-2,000  ' 

Selinus  was  the  westernmost  of  the  Greek  cities  of  Sicily.  It  stood  near  the  mouth  of  the  river  Selinus,  which  took  its  name  from  the 
selinon  plant  (wild  celery)  which  grew  abundantly  on  its  banks.  The  selinon  leaf  was  the  badge  of  the  town  and  was  prominently  dis- 
played on  the  early  coinage. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 11  — 


Prices  in  ; ) are  E.stimates  Only 


THE  DEMARETION  MASTER 


The  issues  attributed  to  the  Demaretion  master  engraver  fall  into  one  of  the  most  interesting  peri- 
ods of  Syracusan  history.  Under  the  tyrant  Gelon,  485-478  B.C.,  the  empire  of  Syracuse  extended  to 
include  most  of  eastern  Sicily.  Gela  and  Leontinoi  were  under  his  sway,  as  was  Naxos.  He  destroyed 
Kamarina  and  Megara  Hyblaia  and  eventually  dominated  Katana.  Syracuse  became  a major  power 
and  its  tyrant,  Gelon,  later  his  brother  Hieron,  controlled  a city  of  wealth  and  cultural  splendor. 
Poets,  philosophers,  artists  and  architects  flocked  to  Hieron*s  court,  seeking  employment  and  royal 
patronage. 

In  480  B.C.  Gelon  inflicted  a decisive  defeat  upon  the  Carthaginians  at  Himera.  According  to  leg- 
end, Gelon ’s  wife,  Demarete,  intervened  on  behalf  of  the  defeated  Carthaginians  and  secured  for  them 
more  favorable  terms  than  they  had  reason  to  expect,  including  being  allowed  to  return  home  to 
Carthage.  In  gratitude  they  presented  Demarete  with  a crown  (wreath)  of  gold  valued  at  100  Talents. 
It  should  be  noted  that  this  was  a kingly  sum  indeed.  While  the  value  of  a Talent  varied  at  different 
times  and  in  different  places,  the  most  common  standard  made  the  Talent  equal  to  six  Minae,  with 
the  Mina  equal  to  one  hundred  Drachmai.  Thus  the  Talent  represented  six  thousand  Drachmai.  In  a 
time  when  a skilled  artisan  or  craftsman  earned  one  Drachma  a day,  six  hundred  thousand  Drach- 
mai could  maintain  a small  army  for  the  better  part  of  a year.  As  a result  of  this  enormous  gift,  and 
to  commemorate  the  victories,  a number  of  large  silver  coins,  Dekadrachms,  were  struck  and  sur- 
named  Demaretia  in  honor  of  the  queen. 

The  Roman  historian  Julius  Pollux,  who  wrote  in  the  second  century  A.D.,  also  recounted  this  story, 
but  wrote  that  the  coins  were  “stamped”  from  jewelry  which  Damarete  and  the  women  of  Syracuse 
had  given  to  Gelon  during  the  war  with  the  Carthaginians.  Hesychios,  a contemporary  of  Pollux, 
agreed  that  the  Demaretion  was  a coin  made  by  Gelon  from  jewelry  donated  by  his  wife.  None  of  the 
ancient  versions  identify  the  metal  used  to  strike  the  coin.  Most  ancient  writers  suggest  that  the 
wreathjewelry  was  gold,  the  metal  most  used  for  ancient  Greek  jewelry.  Pollux’s  writings  suggest 
that  he  thought  the  coins  were  also  gold.  Unfortunately,  no  gold  coins  exist  from  the  period  of  Gelon ’s 
reign.  More  recent  scholarship,  for  example  Carl  Muller  writing  in  the  19th  Century,  has  suggested 
that  the  wreathjjewelry  was  melted  down  and  the  proceeds  used  to  pay  for  the  coining  of  the  silver 
Dekadrachms.  Whatever  the  truth,  the  ancients  agree  that  the  occasion  was  the  defeat  of  Carthage  by 
Gelon  and  that  the  resulting  coins  were  named  after  his  queen. 

More  recent  scholarship  has  attributed  these  Dekadrachms  and  related  Syracusan  Tetradrachms 
to  a later  period,  ca.  465  B.C.,  immediately  after  the  death  of  Hieron  and  the  establishment  of  a new 
democracy  in  Syracuse  and  its  former  vassal  cities,  including  Leontinoi.  Linked  to  these  Syracusan 
pieces  are  two  issues  from  Leontinoi.  They  share  a similarity  of  style  and,  more  importantly,  a sym- 
bol, a running  lion,  which  distinguishes  these  from  all  other  issues.  It  is  clear  that  the  Dekadrachm 
and  Tetradrachm  of  Syracuse  and  the  two  Tetradrachms  of  Leontinoi  came  from  the  hand  of  the 
same  master  engraver. 

While  there  are  a number  of  theories,  it  seems  most  likely  that  this  master  was  invited  to  Leontinoi 
toward  the  end  of  Hieron ’s  rule.  He  produced  a wonderful  coin,  incorporating  the  traditional  images 
of  the  slow  quadriga  and  head  of  Artemis- Arethusa,  a reverse  derived  from  Syracusan  types  and  clear- 
ly showing  Syracusan  hegemony.  The  appearance  of  the  running  lion  symbol  on  this  issue  is  of  extreme 
importance.  Shortly  after  the  fall  of  the  tyranny  in  466  B.C.,  a new  Tetradrachm  appeared  in  Leonti- 
noi, stylistically  linked  to  the  earlier  piece  and  again  bearing  the  running  lion  symbol  in  the  exergue. 
However,  as  appropriate  for  LeontinoVs  new  independence,  the  head  of  Artemis- Arethusa  was  replaced 
with  the  head  of  Apollo  and  the  dolphins  of  Syracuse  with  laurel  leaves,  Apollo’s  sacred  plant. 

At  some  point  this  master  engraver  was  commissioned  to  produce  a new  series  of  coins  in  Syracuse. 
Perhaps  the  occasion  was  Hieron’s  Olympic  victory  in  468  B.C.  An  equally  likely  occasion  may  well 
have  been  the  fall  of  tyranny  and  establishment  of  democracy  in  Syracuse.  Called  to  Leontinoi  during 
the  reign  of  Hieron,  undoubtedly  with  the  knowledge  and  approval  of  Hieron,  the  Demaretion  master 
was  still  there  after  the  fall  of  the  tyranny,  producing  a new  and  splendid  type  to  celebrate  the  libera- 
tion of  the  city.  Who  better  was  available  to  journey  to  nearby  Syracuse  to  produce  a new  type  to  com- 
memorate the  newly  created  democracy  of  that  city.  In  any  event,  the  result  was  a remarkable  series 
of  Dekadrachms  and  Tetradrachms,  presenting  a new  archaic  head  of  Artemis- Arethusa  with  beauty 
and  confidence,  capturing  in  miniature  a figure  both  sensitive  and  monumental  and  of  legendary  his- 
torical significance. 

The  work  of  the  Demaretion  master  consists  of  four  distinct  types  which  are  pictured  on  the  oppo- 
site page:  two  Tetradrachms  of  leontinoi,  and  a Dekadrachm  and  Tetradrachm  from  Syracuse.  The 
five  coins  that  immediately  follow  may  well  he  the  first  time  these  four  types  have  ever  been  publicly 
offere<l  together  in  one  sale.  It  is  with  the  greatest  pleasure  that  we  offer  this  possibly  unique  collec- 
tion to  the  numismatic  fraternity. 


12  — 


■ 

• I 

COINAGE  OF  THE  DEMARETION  MASTER 

AN  EXCESSIVELY  RARE,  COMPLETE  “TYPE  SET” 


Lot  No.  15 


*y-.  »•-  ■( 


Lot  No.  18 


Lot  No 


16 


LEONTINOI 


15  LEONTINOI.  Ca.  470  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Slow  quadriga  r.,  Nike  above  crowning  horses;  running  lion  in  ex.  Rv.  Head  of 
Artemis-Arethusa  r,  four  barley  corns  and  AEONTINON  (retrograde)  around.  17.26  grams.  Rizzo  PI. 22. 13.  Close  to  Extremely 
Fine.  (70,000-90,000) 

Ex  Villabate  Hoard  published  by  Rizzo,  Pl.XXII.13;  Evans  Collection  (Pl.7.7,  Bank  Leu-Munzen  Medaillen  (1974,  lot  91),  Leu  50  (April  1990,  lot  54). 

This  specimen  is  one  of  only  two  known  examples  of  this  issue  of  Leontinoi  (with  the  head  of  Artemis-Arethusa),  and  was  struck  from  a 
single  pair  of  dies.  It  comes  from  the  Villabate  Hoard,  which  also  contained  two  of  the  finest  known  specimens  of  the  Dekadrachm  of  this 
series.  It  is  this  particular  issue  that  forms  a natural  die  link  between  the  issues  of  Leontinoi  and  Syracuse  by  the  use  of  the  head  of 
Artemis-Arethusa,  the  goddess  of  Syracuse.  The  other  known  example  (in  near  Mint  State)  was  published  by  R.  Ross  Holloway, 
“Demarete’s  Lion,  ” ANSMN,  Nov.  1964,  PI. 6.1,  and  resides  in  the  collection  of  the  Thorvaldsen  Museum  in  Copenhagen. 


16  LEONTINOI.  Ca.  465  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Slow  quadriga  driven  r.  by  male  chairioteer  in  long  chiton,  Nike  above  flying  1.  to  crown 
charioteer;  lion  running  r.  below.  Rv.  Laureate  head  of  Apollo  r.,  three  laurel  leaves  eiround  and  lion  running  r.  below;  AEONTINON. 
17.28  grams.  SNG  ANS  218  (same  dies),  Rizzo  PI. 22.  15/14  (same  dies).  Somewhat  ragged  edge.  Extremely  Eine.  (20,000-30,000) 
Ex  Hunt  Collection  (Sotheby’s,  December  1990,  lot  12),  Bowers  and  Ruddy  “Masterpieces  of  Ancient  Coinage,”  1981.2. 

There  are  very  few  extant  examples  of  this  very  rare  coin,  perhaps  less  than  twenty,  and  those  from  only  two  die  pairs.  This  and  the 
recently  auctioned  Hunt  coin  are  among  the  finest.  Published  examples  of  this  extremely  rare  issue  in  addition  to  the  above  specimen  and 
the  lot  following  include:  the  Thorvaldsen  Museum  (other  die);  Due  le  Luynes,  991  (same  die),  ANS  217  (other  die)  and  218  (same  die); 
British  Museum  11  (same  die)  and  10  (other  die).  Hunt  65  (same  die);  Boehringer  379  (same  die);  Gulbenkian  210  (same  die)  and  211 
(other  die);  Lockett  678  (same  die);  Jameson  626  (same  die);  Rizzo  XXII. 15114  (same  obverse,  other  reverse  die);  Pozzi  466  (other  die); 
Bement  397  (same  die),  DeMonnaies  Grecques  Antiques  (April  1985),  91  (same  die)  and  92  (other  die). 


17  [..EONITNOI.  Ca.  465  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Slow  quadriga  r.  Rv.  Apollo  head  r.,  three  laurel  leaves  around,  running  lion  below. 
17.07  grams.  Rizzo  PI. 22. 15  (same  dies),  SNG  ANS  218  (same  reverse  die).  Choice  Very  Fine.  ( 15,000-20,000' 


All  illii  itrntioriH  are  enlarged 


— 14 


Prices  in  i ) art'  Ksttrnates  Only 


SYRACUSE 


18  SYRACUSE.  Ca.  465  B.C.  Dekadrachm.  Slow  quadriga  driven  r.  by  male  charioteer  in  long  chiton,  Nike  flying  above  to  r.  to 
crown  the  horses’  heads;  lion  running  r.  below.  Rv.  Head  of  Artemis-Arethusa  r.  wearing  olive  wreath,  her  hair  waved  at  front 
and  dressed  in  krobylos  with  long  twisted  lock  behind  ear;  nimbus  surrounding  the  head  and  four  dolphins  around;  lYRAKO- 
IION.  42.09  grams.  Boeh.378  (same  dies),  Schwabacher  R5A^3  (same  dies).  Nice  Very  Fine.  (100,000-125,000) 

This  issue,  the  first  Dekadrachm  ever  issued  in  Greek  coinage,  is  the  ultimate  work  of  the  Demaretion  Master.  It  is  this  coin  which  set 
the  stage  for  the  Dekadrachms  that  were  to  follow  in  Syracuse,  Akragas  and  Athens.  Of  all  the  Dekadrachms,  this  one  issue  is  probably 
the  most  sought  after  by  far.  There  are  only  eighteen  known  specimens  extant,  from  an  issue  that  involved  three  obverse  and  five  reverse 
dies.  The  finest  known  specimen  resides  in  the  Museum  of  Fine  Arts,  Boston.  The  British  Museum  has  two  examples,  with  the  Cabinet 
des  Medailles  in  Paris  having  one.  Other  specimens  include  Rizzo  Pl.XXXV.l,  Jameson  752,  Boehringer  374  and  376,  Hunt  64,  and  De 
Monnaies  Grecques  Antiques  (April  1985,  117).  This  specimen  is  one  of  the  finest  to  come  to  auction  in  many  decades.  It  first  appeared  in 
Auktion  5,  Antike  Munzen  (October  1979,  lot  96),  by  Schweizerischer  Bankverein  in  Zurich.  This  specimen  shows  considerably  more 
detail  than  the  recently  auctioned  Hunt  example  (Sotheby,  June  1990,  lot  64).  Most  of  the  surviving  Dekadrachms  of  this  issue  are  well 
worn,  pitted  andlor  corroded.  This  example,  while  having  some  corrosion  and  exfoliation  along  the  edge,  shows  excellent  detail.  As  with 
all  the  other  coins  of  the  Demaretion  series,  most  of  the  specimens  reside  in  permanent  museum  collections.  This  is  possibly  the  finest 
example  to  become  available  to  the  collector  in  a quarter  of  a century. 


19  SYRACUSE.  Ca.  465  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Slow  quadriga  driven  r.  by  male  charioteer  in  long  chiton,  Nike  above  flying  r.  to 
crown  horses’  heads;  lion  running  r.  below.  Rv.  Head  of  Artemis-Arethusa  r.  wearing  olive  wreath,  her  hair  waved  at  front  and 
dressed  in  krobylos  with  long  twisted  lock  behind  ear;  nimbus  surrounding  her  head  and  four  dolphins  around;  lYRAKOlION. 
17.33  grams.  Boeh.380  (same  dies),  Rizzo  PI.  35.4  (same  dies),  SNG  ANS  121  (same  dies),  Gulbenkian  25  (same  dies),  Boston 
357  (same  dies),  Pozzi  570  (same  dies).  Extremely  Fine.  Probably  the  finest  known.  (80,000-100,000  ' 

Ex  Hunt  Collection  (Sotheby's,  December  1990,  lot  11). 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 15  — 


Prices  in  ( '■  are  Estimates  Only 


SYRACUSE 


20  SYRACUSE.  485-478  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Slow  quadriga  r.;  Nike  above  crowning  horses.  Rv.  Small  head  of  Artemis-Arethusa 
r.,  hair  tightly  braided  and  turned  up  under  diadem  of  beads;  four  dolphins  and  lYRAKOlION  (retrograde  N)  around.  17.46 
grams.  Boeh.185.  Full  flan.  Evenly  struck.  Extremely  Fine.  (2,000-3,000) 

Syracuse  was  the  greatest  city  of  ancient  Sicily.  Founded  from  Corinth  in  733  B.C.,  it  was  the  only  Sicilian  mint  to  strike 
Tetradrachms  from  the  beginning  of  its  coinage  in  about  515  B.C.  The  reverse  type  is  a splendid  piece  of  civic  symbolism.  The  patron  god- 
dess of  Syracuse,  Artemis-Arethusa,  whose  fresh  water  spring  was  on  the  island  of  Ortygia,  is  surrounded  by  four  dolphins  of  the  salt  sea 
of  the  twin  harbors  of  Syracuse. 


21  SYRACUSE.  Ca.  479  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Standing  charioteer  in  slow  quadriga  r.,  Nike  above  crowning  horses.  Rv.  Small, 
archaic  head  of  Artemis-Arethusa  r.,  hair  hanging  down  in  back  in  tight  braids;  four  dolphins  around.  16.22  grams.  Boeh.41, 
Rizzo  Pl.XXXIV.lO.  Nice  Very  Fine  and  very  rare.  (2,000-3,000) 


22  SYRACUSE.  450-439  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Walking  quadriga  r.  with  standing  charioteer;  Nike  above  crowning  horses.  Rv. 
Head  of  Artemis-Arethusa  r.  with  spiral  earring  and  plain  necklace,  wearing  sakkos  with  zigzag  pattern  over  the  forehead;  two 
dolphins  facing  and  legend  LYRAKOLION  before.  17.32  grams.  Boeh.640.  An  exquisitely  simple  design.  Extremely  Fine  and 
sharply  struck.  Very  rare  and  elegant.  (5,000-7,000) 

Kx  Stark's  Sale  iDrrrmhi’r  7,  I9fi9,  lot  3051). 

In  the  second  half  of  the  5th  Century  B.C.  the  previously  static  head  of  Artemis-Arethusa  Iwame  subject  to  e.xfH'riment  and  vanation. 
Artemis  lost  her  archaic  rigidity  and  became  a young  woman,  individual  and  graceful,  of  delicate,  classical  bt'auty. 


All  illustration.,  are  enlarged 


— 16  — 


Prices  in  ( ) are  Fstiniates  Only 


SYRACUSE 


23  SYRACUSE.  Ca.  410  B.C.  Dekadrachm,  by  Kimon  (unsigned).  Quadriga  1.,  Nike  above  crowning  charioteer;  panoply  of  arms 
in  exergue.  Rv.  Head  of  Aretemis-Arethusa  1.  in  netted  sphendone  and  amp3rx,  thick  curls  over  forehead;  four  dolphins  around; 
lYPAKOZIQN  to  r.  43.13  grams.  Jongkees  8 (same  dies),  Pozzi  611.  BMFA  434.  Good  metal  surfaces,  darkly  toned.  Close  to 
Extremely  Fine.  (12,000-15,000) 

Ex  Gans  NFA  Mail  Bid  Sale  XVI  (April  1960,  lot  196);  J.P.  Morgan  Collection. 

The  climax  of  Syracusan  coinage  is  reached  with  the  splendid  Dekadrachms  created  by  Kimon  and  Euainetos.  The  traditional  view, 
associating  these  coins  with  the  Athenian  defeat  of  413  B.C.,  is  no  longer  accepted.  The  Dekadrachms  by  Kimon,  a small  issue  requiring 
only  three  obverse  dies,  were  probably  struck  to  commemorate  Dionysios’  victory  over  the  Carthaginians  in  405  B.C.  The  Dekadrachms  by 
Euainetos  were  a much  larger  issue,  requiring  some  twenty-four  dies,  and  meant  to  serve  as  a circulating  currency. 


24  SYRACUSE.  Ca.  410  B.C.  Tetradrachm,  by  Eukleidas  and  Eu — . Quadriga  driven  1.  with  Nike  above  crowning  the  charioteer; 
EY  below  the  horses,  two  dolphins  in  ex.  Rv.  Head  of  Arethusa  1.,  EY  behind,  four  dolphins  around.  17.06  grams.  Tudeer  26, 
SNG  ANS  264  (same  reverse  die),  Jameson  793  (same  dies),  SNG  Lockett  963.  Minor  metal  flaw  on  the  reverse.  Otherwdse  an 
attractive  coin  with  good  surfaces  and  an  even,  dark  tone.  About  Extremely  Fine  and  rare.  (5,000-7,000) 

Ex  Stack’s  Sale  (December  9,  1991,  lot  118),  Hunt  Collection  (Sotheby’s,  June  1991,  lot  105). 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 17  — 


Prices  in  ( ' arc  Estimates  Only 


SYRACUSE 


25  SYRACUSE.  Ca.  406  B.C.  4 Litrai.  Circular  shield  decorated  in  the  center  with  the  facing  head  of  Medusa,  crowned  by  two 
serpents  whose  tails  are  knotted  beneath  her  chin;  XYPAKOZION  around  outer  rim  of  the  shield.  Rv.  Naked  athlete  standing  1. 
removing  oil  from  his  1.  knee  with  a strigil  (scraper).  3.47  grams.  Boeh.  Florilegium  Numismaticum  PI. 1.1.  Slight  flattening 
on  part  of  athlete’s  face.  Notwithstanding,  an  exceptional  fraction  of  extreme  rarity.  Extremely  Fine.  (10,000-15,000) 

Ex  Numismatic  Ars  Classica  7 (March  1994,  lot  203),  where  it  is  noted  that  this  is  probably  the  eighth  known  specimen  and  from  a reverse  die  unrecorded 
in  this  state. 

It  is  extremely  unusual  to  find  on  early  Greek  coins  depictions  from  everyday  activities  which  seem  to  have  been  unrelated  to  civic 
emblems  or  the  mythology  of  the  founding  or  early  history  of  the  city. 


26  SYRACUSE.  410-405  B.C.  Hemidrachm.  Head  of  Artemis-Arethusa  1.,  two  dolphins  around;  [X]YPAKOZlON  around.  Rv. 
Quadriga  1.,  Nike  above  crowning  charioteer;  in  exergue,  E flanked  by  two  dolphins.  Signed  by  Euainetos.  1.90  grams.  SNG 
ANS  305.  Extremely  Fine.  (3,000-4,000) 


27  SYRACUSE.  Time  of  Dionysios  the  Elder.  Gold  Octobol,  ca.  400-370  B.C.  Head  of  Artemis-Arethusa  1.  Rv.  Herakles  stran- 
gling the  Nemean  lion.  5.79  grams.  De  Ciccio  24.  About  Extremely  Fine.  (8,000-10,000) 

The  output  of  these  gold  Octobols  was  considerable.  Equal  to  two  Silver  Dekadrachms,  they  were  probably  the  manifestation  of  increas- 
ing prosperity  after  the  defeat  of  the  Athenians  and  victories  over  the  Carthaginians  rather  that  any  military  crisis.  It  has  been  suggested 
that  the  reverse  type  symbolizes  the  struggle  of  the  Syracusan  Greeks  (Herakles)  against  the  Carthaginians  (Nemean  lion).  Whatever  the 
case,  the  coins  are  exquisite  pieces  in  miniature  of  the  finest  of  Ancient  Greek  art. 


28  SYRACUSE.  Gold  Octobol,  ca.  400-370  B.C.  Head  of  Artemis-Arethusa  1.,  star  behind.  Rv.  Herakles  strangling  the  Nemean 
lion.  5.80  grams.  De  Ciccio  42.  F.D.C.  (12,000-15,000) 

Ex  Stack’s  50th  Anniversary  Sale  (October  22,  1985,  lot  887);  Coin  Galleries  Sale  (February  24,  1984,  lot  1). 


2(i  SYRACUSE.  Gold  Octobol,  ca.  400-370  B.C.  Head  of  Artemis-Arethusa  1.,  star.  Rv.  Herakles  strangling  the  Nemean  Lion.  5.79 
grams.  De  Ciccio  48.  Choicf*  Extremely  Fine.  18,000-10,000) 

Ex  Slin  k ' : Sitle  (Ih-crmlHT  4,  1984,  lot  3.'i);  Stiwk's  Sale  (September  17.  1980,  lot  .’iH). 


All  illuHtrutioriH  are  enlarged 


18 


Trices  in  ( ) arv  Estimates  Only 


SYRACUSE 


30  SYRACUSE.  Dekadrachm,  ca.  390  B.C.  Signed  by  Euainetos.  Quadriga  L,  Nike  above  crowning  charioteer;  panoply  of  arms  in 
exergue.  Rv.  Head  of  Artemis-Arethusa  1.,  four  dolphins  around;  signature  [EY]  AINE.  42.92  grams.  Gallatin  R.III/C.I,  du  Chas- 
tel  PI. 16, 146,  Gulbenkian  I,  310.  About  Extremely  Fine.  (12,000-15,000) 

Ex  Leu  52  (May  1991,  lot  23);  Superior  Pipito  (December  1987,  lot  200). 


31  SYRACUSE.  Reign  of  Agathokles,  317-289  B.C.  Gold  Stater,  after  304  B.C.  Athena  head  r.,  helmet  decorated  with  griffin. 
Rv.  Winged  thunderbolt,  monogram  and  APAGORAEOZ  above  and  [BJAIIAEOZ  below.  5.69  grams.  Jameson  867.  Edge  spade 
scrape.  Choice  Very  Fine.  (1,200-1,500) 

Ex  Stack’s  J.P.  Morgan  Sale  (September  14,  1983,  lot  7). 

In  317  B.C.  Agathokles,  commanding  an  army  of  mercenaries,  massacred  the  leading  members  of  the  ruling  party  of  Syracuse  and 
made  himself  despot.  He  sought  to  expand  his  power  base  by  the  conquest  of  other  Sicilian  Greeks  and  the  defeat  of  Carthage.  In  this  he 
was  only  partly  successful.  His  feint  into  North  Africa,  though  it  failed  to  destroy  Carthage,  did  weaken  it  sufficiently  to  ensure  an 
extended  period  of  peace  for  the  area  of  eastern  Sicily  under  his  domination.  In  304  B.C.,  Agathokles  assumed  the  epithet  “king,”  a title 
advertised  prominently  on  the  reverse  of  the  above  coin. 


32  SYRACUSE.  Reign  of  Hieron  II,  275-215  B.C.  16  Litrai.  Veiled  head  of  Philistis  1.,  star  behind.  Rv.  Nike  in  galloping 
quadriga  r.;  BAXIAIZIAI  and  crescent  above,  OIAIITIAOI  and  stalk  of  grain  below,  KII  to  r.  13.57  grams.  SNG  Lloyd  1542. 
Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (1,500-2,000' 

After  a brief  but  brilliant  series  of  campaigns,  Pyrrhus  of  Epirus  withdrew  from  Sicily,  leaving  behind  Hieron,  one  of  his  young  offi- 
cers, as  general  of  the  Syracusan  army.  Hieron  soon  rose  to  great  power  and,  after  his  victory  over  the  Mamertines,  was  saluted  as  king  by 
the  Syracusan  people  in  270  B.C.  Hieron  sided  with  the  Romans  in  the  Second  Punic  War  and,  at  its  close,  shared  Sicily  with  them.  The 
above  coin  shows  on  the  obverse  a portrait  of  Philistis,  Hieron’s  wife.  The  treatment  of  the  head  closely  parallels  that  of  the  head  ofAnsi- 
noe  on  contemporary  Ptolemaic  coins. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 19 


Prices  in  < '•  are  Estimates  Onl\ 


CARTHAGINIANS  IN  SICILY 


33  CARTHAGINIAN  SICILY.  270-260  B.C.  Electrum  Tristater.  Head  of  Tanit  1.  wearing  necklace  and  triple-drop  earring.  Rv. 
Horse  prancing  r.,  palm  tree  behind,  Punic  legend  “in  the  land”  below.  22.52  grams.  J-L  Group  VIII.  Close  to  Extremely  Fine. 

(25,000-30,000) 

This  issue  was  struck  immediately  before  and  during  the  First  Punic  War  against  Rome.  This  war  began  with  a successful  Roman 
offensive  conducted  by  Appius  Claudius  Caudex  and  M.  Valerius  Messala  against  the  Carthaginians  and  Hieron  of  Syracuse  in  north- 
east Sicily.  As  a result  of  these  early  victories,  Hieron  switched  his  allegiance  to  Rome. 


34  CARTHAGINIAN  SICILY.  Dekadrachm.  Ca.  260  B.C.  Head  of  Tanit  1.  wearing  necklace  and  single-drop  earring.  Rv.  Pegasos 
flying  r.,  Punic  legend  “in  the  land”  below.  37.77  grams.  M. II. 91. 127.  Close  to  Extremely  Fine.  (17,500-22,500) 

This  large  silver  coin,  equivalent  to  five  Shekels,  was  struck  by  the  Carthaginians  in  Sicily  during  the  First  Punic  War  against  Rome. 
Like  the  Tristater  above,  and  in  comparison  to  earlier  coinage  of  Carthage,  this  issue  shows  a weakening  of  Greek  influence  in 
Carthaginian  Sicily.  The  head  is  clearly  Tanit,  the  chief  goddess  of  Carthage.  She  is  presented  in  a style  derived  from  the  earlier  Gold 
and  Electrum  of  that  city.  The  reverse,  on  the  other  hand,  is  copied  from  the  Pegasos  of  the  Corinthian  Staters  which  had  apfHnnHl  in 
Sicily  at  the  end  of  the  Fourth  Century  to  support  the  Sicilian  Greeks  in  their  war  against  Carthage.  On  this  Dekadrachm,  however,  the 
horse  has  a certain  stylized  treatment  alien  to  the  Greek  prototype.  It  is,  in  fact,  almost  identical  in  pose  and  detail  to  the  horse  depicti\l 
on  the  Tristater  above,  but  with  the  removal  of  the  palm  tree  and  the  addition  of  wings. 


All  illit  .trotion..  are  enlarged 


— 20 


Prices  in  ( ' are  Estimates  Only 


MAINLAND  GREECE 

MACEDONIA 


35  AKANTHOS.  Macedon.  Ca.  400  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Lion  attacking  bull  kneeling  1.,  n in  ex.  Rv.  AKAN0ION  around  linear 
quadripartite  square  with  raised  surfaces;  all  in  shallow  incuse  square.  14.14  grams.  Desneux  123  (this  coin),  Kraay-Hirmer 
400.  Slightly  ragged  flan.  About  Extremely  Fine  and  rare.  (5,000-7,000) 

Ex  Robert  Allatini  Collection  (Sotheby’s,  May  1904,  lot  24);  Bank  Leu  18  (1977,  lot  107). 

The  Chalcidian  district,  of  which  Akanthos  and  Mende  were  important  towns,  was  vital  to  the  Athenian  war  effort  against  the  Pelopon- 
nesian League  because  of  its  supply  of  silver  and  timber  for  the  Athenian  fleet.  In  424  B.C.  Akanthos  and  Mende  joined  the  Spartan  Alliance 
against  Athens.  The  loss  of  the  Chalcidice  to  Sparta  caused  consternation  and  rage  in  Athens.  Much  of  their  anger  was  directed  against  the 
historian  Thucydides  who,  as  one  of  the  two  generals  involved,  was  held  responsible  for  the  loss  of  the  key  city  of  Amphipolis  and  banished. 
The  obverse  type  of  the  above  coin  derives  from  the  fact  that  the  entire  region  around  Akanthos  was  famous  for  lions  and  wild  bulls. 


36  MENDE.  Macedon.  Ca.  425  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Dionysos  reclining  on  back  of  ass  walking  r.,  holding  kantharos  in  r.  hand; 
grasshopper  in  ex.  Rv.  MENAAION  around  linear  square  containing  vine  with  four  grape  clusters;  all  in  shallow  incuse  square. 
17.85  grams.  Noe  90  (same  dies),  Gulbenkian  415  (same  dies).  Pleasing  medium  gray  tone.  About  Extremely  Fine. (8, 000-10, 000) 
Ex  Bank  Leu  (1973,  lot  126). 

The  reverse  type  alludes  to  the  wines  of  Mende,  which  were  famous  and  often  mentioned  by  ancient  writers. 


t-i  II  M 


37  LETE.  Macedon.  Ca.  500-480  B.C.  Stater.  Satyr  r.  seizing  nymph.  Rv.  Incuse  square.  10.00  grams.  Svor.  \TI.7.  Good  metal 
surfaces,  darkly  toned.  Unusually  clear  types.  Close  to  Extremely  Fine.  (4,000-6,000) 

Lete,  a town  in  the  Emathian  district  of  Macedon,  occupied  a site  commanding  the  trade  route  between  the  Pangaean  district  and  the 
silver  mines  on  the  one  side,  and  the  fertile  plains  of  Lower  Macedonia  on  the  other.  The  coinage  of  Lete  closely  resembles  the  money  of 
the  Orreskioi  and  the  other  Pangaean  tribes  in  style,  fabric  and  weight.  The  satyr  types  reflect  the  importance  of  the  local  cult  of  the 
mountain  Bacchos  with  his  following  of  Satyrs,  Centaurs  and  nymphs.  The  coins  may  well  have  been  required  for  the  Baechie  Festival 
where  dramatic  performances  relating  to  the  myth  ical  origins  of  the  cult  may  have  ben  re-enacted. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 21  — 


Prices  in  f i are  Estimates  Only 


MACEDONIA 


38 


THRACO-MACEDONIAN  TRIBES.  The  Derrones.  Ca.  530-480  B.C.  Dodekadrachm.  King  seated  in  car  driven  r.  by  two 
oxen;  flower  (?)  above  and  palmette  below.  Rv.  Blank.  Good  metal,  darkly  toned.  Very  Fine  and  rare.  One  of  the  largest  Greek 
silver  coins.  (6,000-8,000) 


The  divergence  of  the  types  and  denominations  of  the  coinage  of  the  Derrones  from  that  of  the  Bisalti,  Orreskioi  and  the  other  Pan- 
gaean  tribes,  strongly  suggests  a different  location  for  the  Derrones,  probably  southern  Yugoslavia.  This  somewhat  remote  location  is 
reflected  in  the  unsophisticated  and  simple  though  boldly  executed  designs  of  the  coinage.  Clearly  the  Derrones  were  a tribe  well  inland, 
away  from  the  strong  influences  of  Greek  culture  which  tended  to  be  concentrated  along  the  coastal  areas. 


39  THE  ORRESKIOI.  Macedon.  Ca.  490  B.C.  Stater.  Centaur  kneeling  r.,  abducting  a nymph  who  raises  her  right  hand  in 
defense;  dotted  exergual  line.  Rv.  Quadripartite  incuse  square.  9.25  grams.  Traite  1.1478,  Pl.46.15,  Svor.  Pl.6.17,  SNG  ANS  980. 
Lovely  dark  toning.  Extremely  Fine.  (17,500-25,000) 

Ex  Leu  52  iMay  1991,  lot  48);  Leu  25  (1980,  lot  100);  Niggeler  I (lot  223);  R.  Jameson  III,  1975;  Weber  II.  1800;  Sothebv  1889  (General  Moore,  lot  215K 
Sotheby  1859  (Northwich,  lot  577). 

The  Orreskioi  were  a tribe  known  only  by  their  coins.  The  type  shown  here,  a Centaur  abducting  a struggling  nymph,  is  closely  related 
to  the  coinage  from  the  island  ofThasos.  This  suggests  that  the  location  of  the  tribe  should  be  nearby,  probably  to  the  east  or  northeast  of 
Mt.  Pangaeus.  The  principal  occupation  of  this  and  the  other  tribes  of  the  Pangaean  district  must  have  been  working  the  gold  and  silver 
mines  with  which  the  hills  abounded. 


AH  tiiuHtnilions  are  enlarged 


22 


Prices  in  i '(in*  Estimates  ihil\ 


KINGS  OF  MACEDON 
PHILIP  II 


40  Philip  II,  359-336  B.C.  Gold  Stater,  323-315  B.C.  Pella.  Laureate  head  of  Apollo.  Rv.  Riga  r.,  thunderbolt  below;  OlAinilOY 
in  ex.  le  Rider  410.  8.62  grams.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (4,000-6,000) 

The  acquisition  of  Amphipolis  and  nearby  Mt.  Pangaeus  gave  Philip  an  extraordinarily  rich  supply  of  gold  and  silver.  The  mines  were 
soon  yielding  one  thousand  talents  of  gold  and  silver  a year,  permitting  the  first  really  large  issue  of  Macedonian  coinage.  For  his  new 
Stater  Philip  chose  the  Attic  weight  standard,  thereby  enabling  Macedon  to  trade  freely  within  the  orbit  of  central  Greece  and  Athens. 


41  Philip  II,  Tetradrachm,  323/2-316/5  B.C.  Amphipolis.  Laureate  head  of  Zeus  r.  Rv.  Horseman  r.  with  palm,  dolphin  below;  n 
and  pellet  to  lower  r.;  OlAln  - llOY  above.  14.36  grams,  le  Rider  pi. 46. 19.  F.D.C.  (3,500-4,500) 

The  choice  of  types  on  the  coinage  of  the  kings  of  Macedon  is  interesting.  For  his  silver  Philip  chose  Zeus,  a bearded  figure  like  himself, 
while  his  son  chose  Herakles,  son  of  Zeus,  and  depicted  as  beardless,  like  Alexander.  The  reverse  types  of  the  Gold  Stater  and  Silver 
Tetradrachm  above  are  agonistic.  It  is  most  likely  that  the  Stater  above  refers  to  the  Olympic  Games  where  Philip’s  chariots  were  victori- 
ous. We  know  moreover  from  Plutarch  that  Philip  was  also  successful  at  the  Olympic  horse  races,  a victory  commemorated  on  the  above 
Tetradrachm. 


42  Philip  II.  Didrachm,  355-349/8  B.C.  Amphipolis.  Head  of  beardless  Herakles.  Rv.  King  wearing  kausia  on  horseback  1.;  forepart 
of  Pegasos  1.  below,  bow  to  1.  7.1 1 grams,  le  Rider  PI. 28. 143.  Choice  Very  Fine  and  extremely  rare.  (4,000-6,000' 

The  reverse  of  this  coin  shows  Ph  ilip  wearing  the  broad-brimmed  hat  and  cloak  which  were  typical  Macedonian  riding  clothes. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 23  — 


Prices  in  ; ' are  Estimates  Onl\ 


KINGS  OF  MACEDON 

ALEXANDER  THE  GREAT 


43  Alexander  the  Great,  336-323  B.C.  Gold  Distater,  336-323  B.C.  “Aegeae.”  Head  of  Athena  r.,  hair  in  tight  curls,  wearing 
crested  Corinthian  helmet  decorated  with  coiled  snake.  Rv.  Nike  standing  1.  holding  wreath  and  ship’s  mast,  thunderbolt  to  far 
1.  and  monogram  to  lower  1.;  AAE^ANAPOY  to  r.  17.21  grams.  Price  191,  SNG  Oxford  2663.  Extremely  Fine.  (8,000-10,000) 
Ex  Lanz  44.134. 


Earlier  numismatic  research  of  such  scholars  as  E.T.  Newell  and  S.P.  Noe  placed  the  mint  location  in  Sikyon.  H.A.  Troxell  in  “The 
Peloponnesian  Alexanders,”  ANSMN  17(1971,  41ff)  demonstrated  that  this  attribution  was  unsound  and  that  a mint  in  the  Macedonian 
f usion  should  be  sought.  Martin  Price  has  obverved  that  the  style  of  this  issue,  however,  is  not  sufficiently  close  to  the  Pella  issues  to  allow 
the  two  groups  to  be  placed  in  the  same  mint,  hence  the  provisional  attribution  of  “Aegeae.  ” 


44  Alexander  the  Great.  Gold  Stater,  316/15  B.C.  Posthumous  issue.  Sidon.  Year  18.  Head  of  Athena  r.  with  flowing  hair,  wear- 
ing crested  Corinthian  helmet  decorated  with  coiled  serpent;  AAEEANAPO[Y]  to  r.  Rv.  Nike  standing  1.,  E to  1.  8.60  ^ams. 
Newell  49.  Very  faint  doubling  of  strike  on  the  reverse.  Nevertheless,  exceptionally  sharp  and  F.D.C.  (4,000-5,000) 

Ex  Coin  Galleries  Sale  (February  24,  1984,  lot  6);  Stack’s  Sale  (September  17,  1980,  lot  69). 

The  gold  and  silver  coinage  of  Alexander  from  the  two  Phoenician  mints  of  Sidon  and  Ake  are  extremely  important.  They  alone,  of  all 
of  Alexander  s extensive  coin  issues,  are  actually  dated,  thereby  providing  a fixed  point  for  the  chronology  of  the  entire  series.  Sidon  was 
the  logical  choice  for  the  site  of  an  important  Macedonian  mint.  A great  maritime  city  of  ancient  importance,  its  coinage  dated  back  to  the 
fifth  century  B.C.  Under  Persia,  Sidon  was  ruled  by  a native  dynasty  which  had  close  commercial  ties  with  Athens.  Alexander  allowed 
this  dynasty  to  continue  to  rule,  although  it  was  suppressed  later  in  the  early  3rd  Century  and  Sidon  became  a republic. 


45  Ah!xand€*r  the  Great.  Tetradrachm,  321/20  B.C.  Ake.  Head  of  Herakles  r.  wearing  lion’s  skin.  Rv.  Zeus  enthroned  1.  holding 
eagle  and  scepter,  Phoenician  date  (year  26)  to  1.;  only  traces  of  the  legend  AAEHANAPOY  visible  to  r.  17.21  gi-ams.  Newell  24. 
Obverse  slightly  off  center.  High  relief  Extremely  Fine.  1600-800^ 

Ex  Slack  ‘k  Sale  'March  16,  1983,  lot  29). 


All  illuHtratiiii. 


crib'  I’cd 


- 24 


Prices  in  { ) arc  Estimates  (hily 


KINGS  OF  MACEDON 
ALEXANDER  THE  GREAT 


46  Alexander  the  Great.  Tetradrachm,  305-290  B.C.  Tyre.  Head  of  Herakles  r.  Rv.  Zeus  enthroned  L,  club  in  circle  to  1.  and 
monogram  in  circle  below  throne;  [AJAEEANAPOY  to  r.  17.17  grams.  Price  3541,  Newell  12.  Obverse  slightly  off  center. 
Reverse  struck  in  magnificent  high  relief.  Extremely  Fine.  (1,500-2,000) 

Ex  Stack’s  Sale  (March  16,  1983,  lot  31). 


47  Alexander  the  Great.  Drachm,  310-  297  B.C.  Abydus.  Herakles  head  r.  Rv.  Zeus  enthroned  1.;  monogram  to  1.,  Mithra  head 
below;  AAEEANAPOY  to  r.  4.31  grams.  Price  1577,  T-B17.  Extremely  Fine.  (200-300) 


48  Alexander  the  Great.  Drachm,  before  323  B.C.  Pella  or  “Amphipolis.”  Head  of  Herakles  r.  Rv.  Eagle  standing  r.,  head  turned; 
AH  monogram  to  r.;  AAEEAN  - APOY  above.  4.20  grams.  SNG  Oxford  2517,  Bellinger.  Essays  70.  Pale  gray  toning.  Perfectly 
centered  and  of  exquisite  style.  Extremely  Fine  and  choice.  A very  rare  t3q)e.  (3,000-4,000) 

Martin  Price,  in  his  authoritative  work  on  the  coinage  of  Alexander  the  Great,  noted  that  this  “eagle”  coinage  did  not  easily  fit  into  the 
sequence  of  the  main  Macedonian  mint,  which  he  believed  to  have  been  located  at  Amphipolis.  He  noted  that  the  same  obverse  style,  possi- 
bly even  an  obverse  die  as  well  as  the  same  monogram  appeared  on  issues  of  Miletos  in  ca.  325  B.C.  However,  he  found  it  difficult  to 
believe  that  an  issue  of  “eagle”  Drachms  was  made  briefly  in  Asia  Minor.  It  seemed  more  probable  to  Price  that  skilled  mint  personnel 
were  moved  from  Macedonia  to  Miletos  at  a time  when  an  exceptionally  large  coinage  was  required  in  a city  which  did  not  previously 
contain  a mint  for  Alexander. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 25  — 


Prices  in  ; ■ are  Estimates  Only 


KINGS  OF  MACEDON 
DEMETRIOS  POLIORKETES 


49  Demetrios  Poliorketes,  294-288  B.C.  Tetradrachm,  294-293  B.C.  Pella.  Winged  Nike  standing  1.  on  ship’s  prow,  blowing  a 
trumpet.  Rv.  Poseidon,  naked,  striding  1.  brandishing  trident  and  holding  chlamys  on  outstretched  1.  arm;  monogram  to  lower  1., 
dolphin  and  star  to  r.;  AHMHTPIOY  to  r.  and  BAZIAEQZ  below.  17.40  grams.  Newell  68.  Extremely  Fine.  (4,000-5,000) 

Demetrios  Poliorketes,  “the  besieger,”  was  the  son  ofAntigonos  the  One-Eyed,  a commander  in  Alexander’s  army.  The  father  was  deter- 
mined to  reunite  the  empire  of  Alexander,  and  Demetrios  was  his  brilliant  instrument.  His  most  impressive  victory  was  the  battle  of 
Salamis,  a great  naval  victory  over  Ptolemy.  The  above  issue  was  struck  to  commemorate  this  important  event  which  took  place  in  306 
B.C.  After  the  death  of  his  father  at  Ipsos,  for  which  Demetrios’  own  impetuosity  was  partly  to  blame,  Demetrios  concentrated  his  power 
in  Macedon  where,  in  294  B.C.  he  was  accepted  as  king  by  the  army  . Demetrios  still  entertained  dreams  of  uniting  the  elements  of 
Alexander’s  empire,  dreams  which  his  Macedonian  subjects  did  not  share.  Instead,  they  deserted  to  Lysimachos  and  Pyrrhos  when  they 
simultaneously  invaded  Macedon.  Demetrios  lost  his  kingdom  and  left  for  Asia  Minor  with  a small  group  of  mercenaries.  He  died  a cap- 
tive of  Seleukos  in  Syria  in  283  B.C. 


KINGS  OF  THRACE 
LYSIMACHOS 


50  Lysimachos,  323-281  B.C.  Gold  Stater,  286-281  B.C.  Pella.  Head  of  the  deified  Alexander  the  Great  wearing  the  horn  of 
Ammon.  Rv.  Athena  enthroned  1.  holding  Nike;  monogram  to  inner  1.,  K below;  BAXIAEGI  to  r.  and  AYIIMAXOY  to  1.  Th.241 
8.50  grams.  Excellent  style.  Superb  Extremely  Fine.  (4,000-6.000) 

Lysimachos  was  a companion  of  Alexander  the  Great,  serving  as  one  of  his  bodyguards.  After  Alexander's  death  in  323  B.C..  Lysima- 
chos received  control  of  Thrace  and  northwest  Asia  Minor.  With  the  aid  of  Seleukos  he  defeated  Antigonos  the  One-Eyed  at  Ipsos,  thert'by 
adding  northern  and  central  Asia  Minor  to  his  kingdom.  Sixteen  years  later,  in  285  B.C.,  he  wrested  control  of  Macedon  and  Thessaly 
from  Demetrios  and  by  so  doing,  he  became  the  strongest  of  Alexander’s  successors.  Lysimachos  was  less  siieeessfut  at  home.  He  was 
unpopular  with  his  subjects  because  of  his  high  handed  administration  and  heavy  taxation  and  was  distracted  by  family  qiiarn'ts.  In  281 
H C.  Ijysimachos  died  in  battle,  at  the  age  of  89,  fighting  an  army  of  his  former  ally  Seleukos.  His  kingdom  did  not  survive  his  dt'oth. 


All  illuHtrutinn..  an'  enlarged 


— 26 


Prices  in  ( Girt'  Estimates  thily 


THRACE 


51  ABDERA.  Thrace.  520/15-492  B.C.  Octodrachm.  Griffin  seated  1.  on  dotted  exergual  base,  bunch  of  grapes  and  A before.  Rv. 
Quadripartite  incuse  square.  28.31  grams.  May  37.  Very  Fine  and  rare.  (5,000-7,000) 

Abdera,  a flourishing  Greek  city  on  the  coast  of  Thrace,  was  the  third  wealthiest  city  in  the  Delian  Confederacy.  It  owed  its  prosperity  to 
its  grain  production  and  to  the  fact  that  it  was  a port  for  the  trade  of  Upper  Thrace  as  well  as  a center  for  commerce  with  the  Odrysian 
rulers  of  Thrace.  Abdera  was  one  of  the  stopping  points  chosen  by  the  Persian  king  Xerxes  in  his  journey  along  the  northern  shores  of  the 
Aegean  in  480  B.C. 


52  ABDERA.  411/10-386/5  B.C.  Stater.  Griffin  springing  1.  Rv.  Apollo  standing  1.  holding  patera  and  Nike;  Enl  AflOAAAOl 
around;  all  in  shallow  incuse  square.  12.41  grams.  May  349.  Medium  gray  tone.  About  Extremely  Fine  and  extremely  rare. 

(8,000-12,000) 

This  issue  is  dated  from  a time  when  the  Athenians  could  exercise  only  intermittent  control  of  the  area  to  the  post  war  years  when  the 
cities  of  Thrace  enjoyed  a brief  autonomy. 


53  AINOS.  Thrace.  372/1-370/69  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Head  of  youthful  Hermes  facing,  turned  slightly  to  1.,  wearing  petasos  deco- 
rated with  a row  of  beads  above  the  brim.  Rv.  Goat  standing  r.;  symbol  Corinthian  helmet  to  r.,  AINION  above;  all  in  shallow 
incuse  square.  15.10  grams.  May  413.  Good  metal  surfaces  toned  a dark  purple-gray.  Diagnostic  die  break  above  the  legend  on 
the  reverse.  Extremely  Fine.  A lovely  coin  of  exquisite  detail  and  compelling  beauty.  (4,000-6,000) 

Ainos  was  a prosperous  trading  city.  Situated  on  the  Thracian  peninsula  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Hebros,  the  city  not  only  commanded 
the  inland  trade  that  descended  to  the  Hebros  valley,  it  also  provided  an  alternative  route  to  the  Bosporus  and  Dardanelles  for  trade  that 
wished  to  reach  the  Aegean  from  the  Black  Sea.  Ainos  lay  at  the  entrance  to  the  rich  grain  lands,  forest  and  fruit  producing  regions  of 
eastern  and  central  Thrace.  It  also  derived  a significant  income  from  its  fisheries.  Ainos  was  a tributary  state  which  sent  twelve  Talents 
of  silver  in  454  B.C.  to  Athens  as  Hegemon  of  the  Delian  League.  The  above  coin  was  struck  during  a short  period  of  autonomy  between 
the  fall  of  the  Athenian  Empire  in  405  B.C.  and  the  inclusion  of  the  city  into  the  Macedonian  sphere  in  357  B.C. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 27  — 


Prices  in  ! are  Estimates  Only 


THESSALY 


54  LARISSA.  Thessaly.  350-340  B.C.  Didrachm.  Head  of  nymph  Larissa  with  flowing  hair  ¥4  face  to  r.  Rv.  Horse  with  bridle 
trotting  r.;  AAPI  above,  X to  r.  and  [A]IQN  below. 12. 14  grams.  S.2119.  Sharply  struck,  reverse  slightly  double.  Splendid  style. 
Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (3,000-4,000) 

Larissa  was  the  principal  city  of  Thessaly,  dominating  the  fertile  plain  of  Pelasgiotis.  In  approximately  350  B.C.  Thessaly  was  brought 
into  the  Macedonian  sphere.  The  area  was  divided  into  four  divisions,  each  one  ruled  by  a Tetrarch  appointed  by  Philip  of  Macedon.  In 
344,  as  a result  of  a second  Macedonian  invasion  of  Thessaly,  the  entire  area  was  brought  under  the  direct  control  of  Macedon.  Despite 
declining  political  power,  however,  Larissa  retained  considerable  economic  prosperity,  a fact  witnessed  by  this  issue  of  Didrachms  and 
later  Drachms.  The  magnificent  head  of  the  nymph  Larissa  was  probably  copied  from  the  full  face  of  Arethusa  on  contemporary 
Tetradrachms  of  Syracuse.  The  reverse  was  of  particular  local  significance.  Since  the  time  of  Homer,  Thessaly  had  been  famous  for  horse 
breeding.  Greek  city-states  rarely  had  any  decent  cavalry.  They  preferred  to  hire  Thessalian  squadrons  as  the  need  arose.  Such  units,  for 
example,  proved  invaluable  to  Alexander  in  his  conquest  of  Persia. 

AKARNANIA 


55  ARGOS  AMPHILOCHIKON.  Akarnania.  350-250  B.C.  Stater  of  Corinthian  type.  Pegasos  with  pointed  wing  flying  1.,  A 
below.  Rv.  Helmeted  head  of  Athena  1.;  Corinthian  helmet  behind,  APFEI  above.  Cammann  57.  8.39  grams.  Close  to  Extremely 
Fine.  (300-400) 

The  towns  of  Akarnania,  including  the  cities  of  Leukas,  Argos  Amphilochikon,  Anaktorion  and  Alyzia,  produced  a series  of  Staters, 
each  showing  the  types  of  Pegasos  and  the  head  of  Athena.  These  coins  figured  prominently  in  the  western  trade  between  Greece  and 
Magna  Graecia  and  Sicily.  Argos  Amphilochikon  was  the  capital  and  only  town  of  the  Amphilochi,  a tribe  that  controlled  the  narrow 
passage  above  the  coast  from  Akarnania  and  Aitolia  to  Ambrakia. 

ATTICA 


56  ATHENS.  Attica.  545-515  B.C.  Drachm.  Wappenmunzen.  Wheel.  Rv.  (Quadripartite  incuse  square.  4.27  grams.  Rosen  185. 
Svor.  PI.  1.58.  Medium  gray  tone.  Choice  Very  Phne.  (2.000-3,000) 

The  earliest  coinage  of  Athens  in  the  (ith  Century  B.C.  consisted  of  silver  coins  with  several  different  types,  known  as  \\apfH'nmtin.,t  n 
or  heraldic  coins.  It  is  generally  believed  that  the  types  were  the  heraldic  devices  of  the  officials  tvsponsible  for  each  issue. 


All  illuHtrotions  are  enlarged 


— 28  — 


Prices  in  ( )are  Estimates  Only 


ATTICA 


57  ATHENS.  4th  Century  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Helmeted  head  of  Athena  r.,  eye  in  profile.  Rv.  Owl  standing  r.;  A0E  to  r.,  crescent 
and  olive  spray  to  1.  17.15  grams.  Virtually  Extremely  Fine.  (600-800) 


58  ATHENS.  191/190  B.C.  New  Style  Tetradrachm.  Helmeted  head  of  Athena  r.  Rv.  Owl  standing  r.  on  amphora,  monogram  to 
1.,  club  and  monogram  to  r.;  A-6E  flanking  the  owl.  16.64  grams.  Th.l9.  Dark  steel  gray  tone.  Rare  early  issue.  Broad  flan. 
Splendid  style.  Extremely  Fine.  (1,200-1,500) 

The  Athenian  coinage  of  the  2nd  Century  was  markedly  different  from  the  Owls  of  Periclean  Athens  or  the  “eye  in  profile”  Athena  head 
of  the  Fourth  Century.  The  “New  Style”  Owls  were  struck  on  thinner,  broad  flans,  typical  of  the  Hellenistic  period,  with  a portrait  of 
Athena  that  reflected  the  heroic  portraiture  of  the  period  and  a reverse  that  named  the  annual  magistrates  of  the  city,  thereby  allowing 
precise  dating  of  the  issues. 

CORINTHIA  AND  ARGOLIS 


59  CORINTH.  525-500  B.C.  Archaic  Stater.  Pegasos  with  curved  wing  1.,  “Koppa”  below.  Rv.  Small  incuse  square  of  mill-sail  pat- 
tern. 8.66  grams.  Full  flan.  Choice  Very  Fine.  (2,500-3,500' 

The  wealth  of  Corinth  rested  largely  on  control  of  trade  in  the  western  Mediterranean.  In  the  late  6th  Century  Corinth  sought  to  main- 
tain this  commercial  hegemony  by  mediating  conflicts  arising  between  its  neighbors,  specifically  Athens,  Thebes  and  Sparta,  and  by  con- 
tributing to  the  Pan  Hellenic  efforts  against  Persian  attempts  to  subdue  Greece. 

60  ARGOS.  Argolis.  Before  146  B.C.  Hemidrachm.  Forepart  of  wolf  1.,  0 above.  Rv.  A in  incuse  square;  A-E  above,  eagle  on 

barpa  below.  2.62  grams.  BMC  61.  Extremely  Fine.  (250-350' 

This  coinage  was  contemporary  with  the  coins  of  the  Achaean  League,  a federation  which  Argos  was  one  of  the  last  to  join. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 29  — 


Prices  in  i ; are  Estimates  Onh 


ASIA  MINOR  AND  THE  NEAR  EAST 

PAPHLAGONIA 


61  KROMNA.  Paphlagonia,  340-300  B.C.  Tetrobol.  Head  of  Zeus  1.  Rv.  Turreted  bust  of  Tyche  1.,  symbol  bucranium  to  1. 
[KIPS2MNA  to  r.  3.37  grams.  Extremely  Fine.  (500-700) 

Ex  Stack’s  Knobloch  Sale  (June  10,  1970,  lot  326). 


Kromna  was  a town  on  the  southern  shore  of  the  Black  Sea.  In  300  B.C.  its  people,  along  with  those  from  the  neighboring  cities  of 
^samos,  Kytorus  and  Tium  were  moved  to  the  newly  founded  city  of  Amastris,  named  for  the  wife  of  Dionysios,  tyrant  of  Herakleia  in 
Bithynia.  This  same  Amastris  was  also  the  niece  of  Darius  III,  the  last  king  of  Persia,  and  was  later  the  wife  of  Lysimachos  of  Thrace. 

IONIA 


62  EPHESOS.  Ionia.  390-330  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Bee  with  straight  wings;  E-O.  Rv.  Forepart  of  a stag  kneeling  r,  looking  back; 
palm  tree  behind,  magistrates  name  OEPAIOI  to  r.  15.22  grams.  SNG  Cop.238.  Dark  gray  tone.  Extremely  Fine.  Minor  obverse 
die  break.  (1,500-2,000) 

Ex  Stack ’s  Sale  (December  4,  1984,  lot  28). 

Ephesos  was  an  Ionian  settlement  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cayster  River.  It  rivalled  and  finally  surpassed  Miletos  as  the  chief  sea-port  and 
emporium  of  the  trade  of  the  Maeander  valley.  Ephesos  shared  the  fate  of  the  other  Ionian  cities  after  the  defeat  of  the  revolt  against  Per- 
sia. It  joined  the  Delian  Confederation  under  Athens  but  sided  with  Sparta  midway  during  the  Peloponnesian  War.  The  city  was  most 
famous  in  ancient  times  for  its  sanctuary  of  the  Ephesian  Artemis.  According  to  legend  the  temple  burned  down  on  the  night  of  the  birth 
of  Alexander  the  Great,  into  whose  control  the  city  passed  in  334  B.C.  The  bee  was  the  heraldic  badge  of  the  city,  related  it  would  seem  to 
the  cult  of  Artemis.  The  high  priest  of  the  temple  of  Artemis  was  called  “the  king  bee,”  while  his  priestesses  were  “honey  bees.”  The  stag 
was  also  closely  associated  with  the  goddess. 


63  KI.AZOMENAI.  Ionia.  Ca.  387-340  B.C.  Drachm.  Laureate  head  of  Apollo  % face  to  1.  Rv.  Swan  with  spread  wings  standing 
1.;  KA  to  1.  and  MA-NAPDNA[CK|  to  1.  and  above.  4.12  grams.  SNG  Lockett  2792  (same  obverse  die).  Gulbenkian  740  (same 
dies).  Fdeasing  medium  gray  tone.  About  Extremely  Fine.  (5.000-7.000' 

Ex  firss  h-u  (19.58,  Inl  214 1.  Ia’U  13  (197.5,  lot  232). 

The  above  coin  was  struck  during  a period  of  considerable  wealth  and  prosperity  for  the  cities  of  the  leest  coast  of  .\sia  Minor,  cities 
such  as  Klazonienai,  Iximpsakos  and  Rhodes.  The  threat  posed  by  the  Athenian  Empire  had  ended,  and  the  Persian  Enipirt'  was  both  Uhi 
vast  and  too  fragmented  to  exercise  a firm  control  over  the  area.  The  Afiollo  heads  of  Klazonienai  arv  elo.sely  rvlated  to  Syracusan  nuhiels. 

30 


Ail  illu.-.'.rntions  are  enlarged 


I'riees  in  i > are  Estimates  (bi/v 


IONIA 


64  MAGNESIA.  Ionia.  2nd  Century  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Diademed  bust  of  Artemis  r.,  bow  and  quiver  at  shoulder.  Rv.  Apollo 
standing  1.  leaning  on  tripod,  maeander  pattern  below;  MAFNHTDN  to  L,  EYOHMOZ  /FIAYZANIOY  to  r.  16.79  grams.  Superb 
Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  (2,000-2,500) 


IKARIA 


65  OINOI.  Ikaria.  Ca.  300  B.C.  Drachm.  Bust  of  Artemis  % face  to  r.  Rv.  Bull  butting  r.;  OINA[I]  below.  3.49  grams.  Head 
p.602,  S.4620.  Very  Fine.  (800-1,000) 

Oinoi  was  the  principal  town  of  the  small  island  of  Ikaria,  situated  west  of  Samos. 

RHODES 


66  RHODES.  408-394  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Head  of  Helios  % face  to  r.,  flowing  hair.  Rv.  Full  blown  rose;  eagle  to  r.,  POAION 
above;  all  in  shallow  incuse  square.  15.02  grams.  SNG  Delepierre  2747.  Medium  gray.  About  Extremely  Fine.  (5,000-7,000) 

Rhodian  prosperity  in  Hellenistic  times  was  based  primarily  on  the  carrying  trade  and  rested  on  the  strength  and  efficiency  of  its  fleet. 
Alexander’s  conquest  of  Asia  provided  unrestricted  access  to  Egypt,  Cyprus  and  Phoenicia.  Furthermore,  the  partition  of  Alexander's 
empire  enabled  Rhodes  to  reassert  its  independence.  Rhodes  and  Pergamum  were  largely  responsible  for  Rome’s  intervention  in  eastern 
affairs  in  wars  against  Philip  V of  Macedon  and  Antiochos  III  of  Syria.  Rhodes,  however,  later  displeased  Rome  by  maintaining  an 
equivocal  position  during  the  Third  Macedonian  War.  The  Roman  punishment  was  to  declare  the  rival  city  of  Delos  a free  port  in  167 
B.C.,  thereby  providing  unfair  competition  which  greatly  diminished  Rhodian  harbor  revenue  and  eroded  its  power  base. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 31  — 


Prices  in  ( ■ are  Estimates  Onl\ 


RHODES 


67  RHODES.  189-167  B.C.  Gold  V2  Stater.  Radiate  head  of  Helios  % face  to  r.  Rv.  Rose  in  shallow  incuse  square;  magistrate  TIM- 
OKPATHI.  4.25  grams.  Cf  BMC  230A.  Extremely  rare.  Extremely  Fine.  (12,000-15,000) 

Early  in  189  B.C.  Rome  decisively  defeated  a considerably  larger  army  of  Antiochos  III  of  Syria  at  Magnesia.  In  the  ensuing  Peace  of 
Apamea  of  188  B.C.  Rome  rewarded  her  Greek  allies,  most  notably  Pergamon  and  Rhodes.  For  the  invaluable  assistance  of  its  fleet, 
Rhodes  received  considerable  territory  in  Asia  Minor,  quadrupling  its  holdings  with  the  addition  of  Caria  south  of  the  Maeander  and 
Lycia.  The  Roman  commissioners  who  partitioned  the  former  Seleucid  territories,  however,  failed  to  clarify  the  new  political  position  of 
the  Lycians.  Rhodes  believed  that  it  was  receiving  Lycia  as  a subject  territory.  The  Lycians,  on  the  other  hand,  thought  that  they  were 
becoming  allies  of  Rhodes.  From  this  fundamental  disagreement  arose  a long  and  bloody  conflict.  It  is  during  this  period  that  Rhodes 
produced  an  issue  of  gold  coins:  Staters,  Half  Staters  and  Quarter  Staters.  To  an  extent  this  issue  reflects  the  considerable  wealth  that 
flowed  to  Rhodes  from  its  new  tributaries  in  Asia  Minor.  More  specifically,  however,  the  new  gold  issues  were  undoubledly  minted  to  pay 
the  larger  mercenary  army  required  to  establish  and  maintain  control  over  its  newly  acquired  land  empire  in  Asia  Minor.  This  gold  issue 
may  have  ended  in  177  B.C.  when  the  Senate  of  Rome  ruled  that  Lycia  was  to  be  assigned  to  Rhodes  only  as  friend  and  ally,  not  as  trib- 
ute bearing  subject.  Certainly  the  issue  did  not  extend  beyond  168  when  Rome  stripped  Rhodes  of  its  remaining  mainland  possessions. 

While  it  would  be  reasonable  to  expect  that  a considerable  portion  of  coinage  used  as  military  payments  might  survive,  very  few  of  these 
gold  coins  are  in  fact  extant.  All  denominations,  Staters,  Half  Stater's  and  Quarter  Staters,  are  rare.  No  more  than  a handful  of  any  of  the 
three  denominations  have  appeared  at  auction  over  the  last  two  decades. 


SATRAPS  OF  CARIA 


T-r 


,„..v 


''-v 


68  Hidrieus,  351-344  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Head  of  Apollo,  flowing  hair,  % face  to  r.  Rv.  Zeus  Labraundos  standing  r.  holding  dou- 
ble axe;  IaPIEDZ  to  r.  15.17  grams.  BMC  1.  Pale  gray  tone.  Lovely  style.  Extremely  Fine.  (4,000-6,000^ 

When  Athens  lost  its  command  of  the  Mediterranean,  the  coastal  towns  of  Asia  Minor  which  had  been  tributary  allies  again  fell  under 
Persian  rule.  They  were  given  by  the  Great  King  to  his  Satrap  Tissaphernes.  Upon  the  death  of  the  latter  in  ca.  395  B.C.,  the  Satmpy  was 
assigned  to  Hecatomnus  of  Mylassa  and  subsequently  to  his  son  Mausolus,  followed  by  his  second  son,  Hidrieus,  and  then  to  hts  thinl 
and  youngest  son,  Pixodarus.  Under  the  Hecatomnids,  the  new  capitol  of  Halicarnassus  became  a magnet  for  Grx'ek  artists  and  arehittxts 
who  found  employment  building  one  of  the  most  spectacular  cities  of  the  ancient  world. 


AH  tllii  :!rntinns  nrr  rnlargeil 


— 32  — 


IViees  in  \ - on’  Estimates  Only 


KINGDOM  OF  LYDIA 


69  Time  of  Croesus,  560-546  B.C.  Gold  Stater.  Gold  Stater.  Heavy  weight  issue.  Forepart  of  lion  and  bull  face  to  face.  Incuse 
of  rectangular  form.  10.74  grams.  S.3411,  McClean  8635.  Choice  Very  Fine.  (6,0000-8,000) 

Croesus,  king  of  Lydia,  is  credited  with  the  innovation  of  separating  Electrum  into  its  constituent  parts  and  issuing  a separate  Gold 
and  Silver  coinage.  The  new  Gold  and  Silver  denominations  share  a new  type,  the  foreparts  of  bull  and  lion  facing  one  another,  rather 
than  joined  back  to  back  which  had  appeared  on  the  earlier  Electrum  issues.  The  first  gold  Stater  was  the  heavy  weight  issue  exemplified 
by  the  choice  example  presented  here.  This  issue  soon  ceased  to  be  struck,  replaced  by  a lighter  gold  issue,  illustrated  by  the  following  lot. 
These  light  weight  Staters  now  became  equivalent  in  value  to  ten  silver  Staters. 


70 


Time  of  Croesus.  Gold  Stater.  Reduced  weight  issue.  Forepart  of  lion  and  bull  face  to  face.  Rv.  Incuse  of  rectangular  form. 
8.06  grams.  S.3415,  McClean  8636.  Choice  Very  Fine.  An  important,  historic  coin.  (5,000-6,000) 


CILICIA 


71  TARSOS.  Cilicia.  Mazaios,  Persian  Satrap,  361-334  B.C.  Stater.  Baal  of  Tarsos  enthroned  r.  holding  eagle,  corn  ears  and 
bunch  of  grapes  in  r.  hand,  lotus-tipped  scepter  in  1.;  Aramaic  legend  to  r.,  Aramaic  letter  to  lower  1.  and  below  throne.  Rv.  Lion 
attacking  bull  1.;  Aramaic  legend  above.  10.76  grams.  BMC  56  var.  F.D.C.  (500-700) 

Mazaios  was  given  the  Satrapy  of  Cilicia  in  344  B.C.  by  the  Persian  Great  King.  He  also  received  Northern  Syria  and  became  comman- 
der-in-chief in  Phoenicia,  issuing  coins  in  his  own  name  from  Tarsos  and  Sidon.  In  334  he  was  recalled  from  Cilicia,  one  year  before  the 
arrival  of  Alexander.  He  commanded  the  advance  guard  at  Gaugamela  where  he  fought  with  distinction.  When  the  Persian  King  Darius 
fled,  Mazaios,  thinking  he  had  done  enough,  for  a king  who  deserted  his  people,  went  out  from  Babylon  to  welcome  Alexander.  The  latter 
honored  Mazaios  for  his  service  to  Darius  by  making  him  governor  of  Babylon.  Mazaios  retained  this  position  until  his  death  in  328  B.C. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 33  — 


Prices  in  ( ) are  Estimates  Onh 


KINGS  OF  SYRIA 

SELEUKOS  I 


72  Seleukos  I,  312-280  B.C.  Tetradrachm,  300-290  B.C.  Seleuceia  Pieria.  Head  of  Herakles  r.  wearing  lion’s  skin.  Rv.  Zeus 
enthroned  1.,  holding  Nike  who  presents  crown;  monogram  in  circle  to  L,  KP  below;  IEAEYKOY  to  r.,  [B]AIIAE£1I  below.  16.73 
grams.  WSM  890.  Slightly  porous.  Extremely  Fine.  (1,500-2,000) 

Seleukos  assumed  control  of  the  satrapy  of  Babylonia  after  Alexander’s  death.  He  proceeded  to  build  an  empire  inferior  only  to  that  of 
Alexander , and  one  with  a decidedly  western  orientation.  Seleukos  abandoned  the  Indian  provinces  to  strengthen  his  hold  over  Asia 
Minor.  The  essentially  Greek  character  of  the  kingdom  was  assured  by  his  creation  of  a power  base  (army,  bureaucracy  and  new  city 
foundations)  that  was  Graeco-Macedonian. 


ANTIOCHOS  I 


73  Antiochos  I Soter,  280-261  B.C.  Tetradrachm,  Ecbatana.  Diademed  head  of  Antiochos  r.  Rv.  Apollo  seated  1.  on  omphalos, 
two  monograms  to  1.;  BAZlAEtlZ  to  r.  and  ANTIOXOY  to  1.  17.05  grams.  Houghton  1137  (this  coin).  Exceptionally  bold 
styling.  Medium  gray  tone.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (3,000-4,000) 

Antiochos  1 received  his  cult-name  “Soter”  for  his  defeat  of  the  Gallic  invaders  of  Asia  Minor  in  276  B.C.  Particularly  useful  in  this 
campaign  were  sixteen  war  elephants,  an  awesome  weapon  against  men  unfamiliar  with  them.  The  most  successful  rival  of  Antiochos 
turned  out  to  be  Arsinoe  II  of  Egypt  who,  with  her  husband  Ptolemy  II,  seized  from  Syria  much  of  the  coast  of  Asia  Minor.  These  Egypt- 
ian conquests,  while  not  permanent,  did  precipitate  a subtle  shift  in  the  Seleucid  Empire  from  a western  to  an  eastern  orientation. 


ESM  154.  Medium  gray  tom*.  Clos<*  to  Extremely  Fine.  (700-900' 

Ex  S/ni  k n ./  /'  Morfian  Stilr  I Si'ptrmhrr  I t.  lUS.'i,  IdI  .'iO). 


31 


All  illustnilioriN  ore  enhtrged 


Prices  in  i ‘on*  Estimates  lhtl\ 


KINGS  OF  SYRIA 

ANTIOCHOS  II 


75  Antiochos  II,  261-246  B.C.  Gold  Stater.  Bactra.  Diademed  head  of  Antiochos  r.  Rv.  Apollo  seated  1.  on  omphalos;  AT  mono- 
gram to  1.,  lyre  to  lower  L,  star  above;  BAZIAEGS  to  r.,  ANTIOXOY  to  1.  8.47  grams.  ESM  707,  Houghton  1291  (this  coin). 
Extremely  Fine  and  very  rare.  ( 12,000-15,000) 

Antiochos  II  was  the  second  son  of  Antiochos  and  Stratonice.  His  greatest  success  was  the  recovery  from  Ptolemaic  control  of  much  of 
the  coast  of  Asia  Minor  and  places  in  Coele  Syria.  He  married  Laodicea,  with  whom  he  had  two  sons,  but  then  repudiated  her  and  her 
children  in  favor  of  Berenike,  daughter  of  Ptolemy  H,  whose  son  became  heir  apparent.  The  result,  when  Antiochos  1 1 died,  was  a war  of 
succession. 


ANTIOCHOS  V 


76  Antiochos  V Eupator,  164-162  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Antioch.  Diademed  head  r.  Rv.  Zeus  enthroned  1.  holding  Nike  who 
crowns  the  King’s  name;  BAZIAEGZ  to  r.,  ANTIOXOY  to  1.,  EYHATOPOI  helow,  monogram  in  ex.  16.69  grams.  Houghton  139. 
Extremely  Fine.  (800-1,200) 

Antiochos  V was  a child  who  reigned  for  less  than  two  years  through  the  regent  Lysias  and  was  executed  in  Antioch  when  Demetrios  I 
arrived  from  Rome  to  claim  the  throne. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 35  — 


Prices  in  i ; arc  Estimates  Onl\ 


KINGS  OF  SYRIA 


TRYPHON 


77  Tryphon,  142-138  B.C.  Tetradrachm.  Antioch.  Diademed  head  r.  Rv.  Macedonian  helmet;  HA  monogram  to  inner  1., 
BAZlAEQZ/TPY<t>f2NOZ  to  r.,  AYTOKPATOPOX  to  1.,  all  in  oak  wreath.  16.09  grams.  SMA264.  Medium  gray  and  iridescent. 
Extremely  Fine  and  very  rare.  (3,000-5,000) 

Diodotos  was  a general  who  proclaimed  the  infant  son  of  Alexander  Balas  to  be  king  (Antiochos  VI)  in  opposition  to  Demetrios  II. 
Diodotos  soon  disposed  of  the  child  king  and  proclaimed  himself  king  under  the  name  Tryphon.  He  was  in  turn  overthrown  by  Antiochos 
VII,  younger  brother  of  Demetrios  II. 


ANTIOCHOS  VIII 


78  Antiochos  VIII,  121-96  B.C.  Tetradrachm,  111-109  B.C.  Antioch.  Diademed  head  r.  Rv.  Zeus  Uranius  standing  1.  holding  star 
and  scepter;  BAXiAEtlX/ANTIOXOY  to  r.  E to  inner  r.,  EniOANOYI  to  1.  and  monograms  to  outer  1.  16.47  grams.  SMA  387. 
Medium  gray  tone.  Extremely  Fine.  (500-700) 

AnticKhos  VIII  gained  the  throne  by  forcing  his  mother  to  drink  a poisoned  cup  she  had  intended  for  him.  His  mother  was  Cleo^yatra, 
daughter  of  Ptolemy  VI  of  Egypt  and  wife,  in  succession,  of  Alexander  Balas,  Demetrios  H and  AntuK'hos  VH.  The  rt'st  of  his  reign  was 
well  suited  to  the  beginning.  Most  of  the  twenty-five  years  were  spent  warring  with  his  half-brother  Antiochos  IX,  with  the  result  that  the 
once  powerful  Seleucid  kingdom  was  reduced  to  the  status  of  a minor  eastern  state. 


36 


All  illustration,  are  enlarged 


Prices  in  ( ) art'  Estimates  Ihtly 


PERSIA 


79  Reign  of  Alexander  the  Great.  Double  Daric,  ca.  325  B.C.  The  Great  King  running  r.  holding  bow  and  transverse  spear.  Rv. 
Striated  incuse.  16.64  grams.  Traite  11.784,  Taf.115.18.  Nearly  full  figure.  Excellent  style.  Extremely  Fine.  (7,000-9,000) 

This  issue,  continuing  the  image  of  the  Great  King,  was  actually  struck  by  Alexander  in  the  eastern  region  of  his  realm  after  his  final 
defeat  of  Darius  111. 


80  Reign  of  Alexander  the  Great.  Daric,  ca.  325  B.C.  The  Great  King  running  r.  with  bow  and  transverse  spear.  Rv.  Rectangu- 
lar, striated  incuse.  8.350  grams.  Full  figure,  exceptional  style.  Extremely  Fine.  (3,500-4,500 


PALESTINE 


81  EASTERN  ISSUE.  Athenian  Tetradrachm,  ca.  407  B.C.,  Aramaic  imitation.  Helmeted  head  of  Athena  r.,  Aleph  on  jaw.  Rv. 
Owl  standing  r.  17.04  grams.  Cf.  SNG  ANS  Palestine  3,  SKB  4 (12/3/85,  lot  226).  Perfectly  centered  on  a full  flan.  Extremely 
Fine.  Excellent  style.  (1,200-1,500) 

An  interesting  series  of  coins  was  produced,  primarily  in  Palestine,  in  the  late  5th  and  first  half  of  the  4th  centuries  B.C.  They  copied 
closely  the  Tetradrachms  of  Athens,  which  at  the  time  served  as  a truly  international  currency.  In  fact,  apart  from  the  discrete  “Aleph  ” on 
Athena’s  jaw,  the  above  coin  could  easily  pass  for  a Tetradrachm  struck  in  Athens.  The  purpose  of  the  issue  was  clearly  to  facilitate  trade, 
using  a coin  of  international  recognition  and  acceptance  as  the  prototype. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 37  — 


Prices  in  f ; are  Estimates  Only 


KINGS  OF  EGYPT 


PTOLEMY  I 


82  Ptolemy  I,  as  Satrap,  323-305  B.C.  Tetradrachm,  310-305  B.C.  Head  of  deified  Alexander  the  Great  wearing  horn  of  Ammon 
and  elephant’s  scalp.  Rv.  Athena  Alkidemos  advancing  r.,  monogram  to  inner  1.  and  AAEEANAPOY  to  far  L,  monogram  and 
eagle  to  r.  15.64  grams.  Svor.139.  Name  of  Alexander  weak  and  somewhat  double  struck.  Dark  gray  tone.  Close  to  Extremely 
Fine.  (1,200-1,500) 

Ex  Stack’s  J.P.  Morgan  Sale  (September  14,  1983,  lot  31). 

Ptolemy  was  a “Companion  ” and  general  of  Alexander  the  Great,  and  fought  with  distinction  during  the  conquest  of  Persia.  He  became 
satrap  of  Egypt  late  in  the  summer  of  323  B.C.  and  fought  to  hold  it  against  all  rivals.  In  304  he  declared  himself  king,  adding  to  his 
realm  Palestine,  Cyprus  and  much  of  Asia  Minor.  Ptolemy  was  responsible  for  establishing  the  main  outlines  of  the  military  and  civil 
administration  that  made  Egypt  the  strongest  of  the  Hellenistic  monarchies.  The  appearance  of  the  head  of  Alexander  on  the  coinage  is 
significant  since  all  the  successor  generals  sought  to  present  themselves  as  Alexander’s  legitimate  heir  to  power.  Ptolemy  was  the  wisest  of 
the  generals,  however,  realizing  that  the  vast  empire  of  Alexander  had  to  be  divided  and  engineering  to  be  an  independent  ruler  of  a 
coherent  portion  of  it. 


83  Ptolemy  1,  as  King,  305-283  B.C.  Gold  Triobol.  Head  of  Ptolemy  I r.  Rv.  Eagle  1.  on  thunderbolt,  wings  spread,  monogram  to 
1.;  IITOaEMAJOY  B[AXIAEG1|.  1.76  grams.  Svor.200.  Close  to  Very  Fine.  (500-700) 

Ptolemy  declared  himself  king  in  305  B.C.  and  immediately  placed  his  own  portrait  and  his  new  title  on  the  coins. 


All  illii.itnitioiiH  lire  enlorgrd 


— 38  — 


Prices  in  { i arc  Estimates  Gnlc 


KINGS  OF  EGYPT 

PTOLEMY  II 


84  Ptolemy  II,  285-246  B.C.  Dekadrachm,  261/260-253/2  B.C.  Veiled  head  of  Arsinoe  r.  wearing  stephane,  P behind.  Rv.  Double 
cornuacopiae  with  bunches  of  grapes  and  fillets;  APZINOHZ  OIAAAEAOOY.  35.42  grams.  Svor.496,  Troxell  Group  2.  Even  pale 
gray  toning.  Choice  Very  Fine.  (7,000-9,000) 

Arsinoe  II,  sister  and  wife  of  Ptolemy  II,  died  in  270  B.C.  An  ambitious  and  strong  willed  woman,  she  had  been  married  to  Lysimachos 
until  his  defeat  and  death,  and  then,  for  a short  time,  to  her  step-brother  Ptolemy  Keraunos.  She  then  fled  to  Egypt  where  she  persuaded 
Ptolemy  II  to  repudiate  his  wife  Arsinoe  I on  the  grounds  of  conspiracy,  and  then  to  marry  her.  She  was  not  merely  a queen,  but  indeed  a 
co-ruler  who  took  into  her  own  hands  the  war  against  Syria.  Clearly  Ptolemy  felt  her  ability  justified  his  marriage  to  her,  a marriage 
repugnant  to  Greek  sentiment  because  of  the  fact  that  she  was  his  full  sister.  Her  powerful  will  and  competence  quickly  silenced  opposi- 
tion. Immediately  after  her  death  in  270  B.C.  she  was  deified  and  an  impressive  series  of  high  denomination  Gold  and  Silver  began  to  be 
struck.  While  her  Dekadrachms  appear  to  have  been  confined  to  the  reign  of  her  husband,  the  Gold  Octodrachms  and  Tetradrachms  con- 
tinued until  nearly  the  end  of  the  second  century.  Ptolemy  himself  is  primarily  known  as  the  king  under  whose  rule  Alexandria  gained 
many  of  its  most  famous  buildings:  for  example,  the  Pharos,  the  Museum  and  the  Library. 


PTOLEMY  III 


85  Ptolemy  III  Euergetes,  246-221  B.C.  Gold  Octodrachm,  244  B.C.  Sidon.  Head  of  Arsinoe  II.  Rv.  Double  cornuacopiae,  II 
monogram  below,  P (year  3)  to  1.;  APIINOHI  OIAAAEAOOY.  27.58  grams.  Cp.  Svor.1030,  for  similar  monogi'am  cf.  Hunter  22 
(p.377).  A few  scratches  and  one  test  cut  on  the  edge.  The  reverse  slightly  double  struck.  Very  Fine.  (3,000-3.500: 

Ex  Stack’s  J.P.  Morgan  Sale  f September  14,  1983,  lot  13). 

This  impressive  Octodrachm  was  minted  in  Sidon,  at  a time  when,  as  a result  of  the  Third  Syrian  War,  Egypt  under  Ptolemy  III  had 
reacquired  important  towns  in  Syria,  Palestine  and  Asia  Minor. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


39  — 


Prices  in  f ■■  are  Estimates  Only 


KINGS  OF  EGYPT 

PTOLEMY  III 


86  Ptolemy  III.  Dodekadrachm.  Veiled  bust  r.  of  Berenike  II,  wife  of  Ptolemy  III.  Rv.  Cornucopiae,  bound  with  fillet,  between 
caps  of  the  Dioskouroi;  BEPENIKHZ  BAZIAIZZHZ.  52.66  grams.  Svor.988.  Hairline  flan  crack.  Good  metal  surfaces,  toned  a 
pleasing  pale  gray.  Extremely  Fine  and  choice.  (35,000-45,000) 

Berenike  was  the  daughter  of  King  Magas  of  Cyrene  and  granddaughter  of  Antiochos  I of  Syria.  Although  bethrothed  to  Ptolemy  III, 
her  mother  took  the  occasion  of  the  death  of  King  Magas  to  attempt  to  force  her  daughter  to  marry  Demetrios,  a Macedonian  prince. 
Berenike  led  a revolt  against  them  both  and  Demetrius  was  killed  by  her  orders.  She  married  Ptolemy  III  in  247  B.C.  A competent  and 
strong  willed  woman,  Berenike  ruled  at  home  while  her  husband  was  abroad  on  military  campaigns.  In  fact,  this  Dodekadrachm  issue, 
the  largest  silver  denomination  issued  by  the  Ptolemies,  probably  belongs  to  the  period  of  Ptolemy  Ill’s  absence  on  campaign  in  Seleucid 
territory  between  246  and  241  B.C.  After  her  husband’s  death,  Berenike  became  joint  ruler  with  her  eldest  son,  Ptolemy  IV,  who  in  turn 
murdered  her  in  221  B.C. 


87 


Ptolemy  III.  Dodekadrachm.  Veiled  bust  of  Berenike  II  and  Gornucopiae  as  last.  52.89  grams.  Svor. 988.  Slightly  granular  sur 
face.',,  toned  an  iwim  pale  gray.  Glose  to  Extremely  f'ine.  i20, 000-25,000' 


Alt  illiinlnilii>ii:^  (ir>'  i’ntiirgcd 


40 


Prices  in  : atv  Pstinmtcs  Dnl} 


KINGS  OF  EGYPT 

PTOLEMY  V 


88  Ptolemy  V,  205-180  B.C.  Octodrachm.  Diademed  head  of  Ptolemy  r.  Rv.  Eagle  standing  1.  on  thunderbolt,  star  to  1.;  DTOAE- 
MAIOY  BAXIAEilZ.  28.50  grams.  Svor.1230.  Good  metal  surfaces  toned  a pale  gray.  Splendid  types  on  a full  flan.  An  extremely 
rare  and  remarkable  piece.  Extremely  Fine.  (15,000-20,000) 

Ex  Milas  Collection  (Leu  54,  April  1992,  lot  204),  Hess  Leu  49  (1971,  lot  297). 

Ptolemy  V Epiphanes,  the  son  of  Ptolemy  PV  and  Arsinoe  111,  succeeded  to  the  throne  at  the  age  of  five.  There  soon  followed  local  revolts 
which  lasted  nearly  two  decades.  In  addition,  the  Seleucid  and  Macedonian  kings  saw  an  opportunity  to  strip  Egypt,  led  by  a child  king, 
of  its  outlying  territories  in  the  Aegean,  Asia  Minor  and  Palestine.  Egyptian  reverses  culminated  in  a final  defeat  at  Panion  in  200  B.C., 
with  the  result  that  most  of  the  Ptolemaic  outlying  possessions  were  lost.  Ptolemy  was  declared  of  full  age  in  197  B.C.  and  married  to  the 
Seleucid  princess  Cleopatra  1 four  years  later.  He  died  in  180  B.C.,  at  the  age  of  twenty-nine. 


PTOLEMY  VI  OR  VIII 


89  Ptolemy  VI  or  VIII,  180-116  B.C.  Gold  Octodrachm.  Veiled  head  of  Arsinoe  II,  K behind.  Rv.  Double  cornuacopiae  with  fillets 
and  bunches  of  grapes;  APIINOHX  <l>lAAAEAd>OY.  27.69  grams.  Svor.1499.  About  Uncirculated.  (7,000-9,000) 

The  Ptolemaic  Octodrachm,  apart  from  an  excessively  rare  Double  Octodrachm  of  Ptolemy  11,  was  the  largest  gold  coin  of  the  ancient 
world.  This  specimen  was  struck  in  the  name  of  Arsinoe  11,  sister  and  wife  of  Ptolemy  11.  She  died  in  270  B.C.  and  was  immediately  dei- 
fied. As  noted  above,  the  gold  issues  struck  in  her  honor  continued  to  nearly  the  end  of  the  second  century  B.C.  The  above  coin,  with  the 
characteristic  K behind  the  bust,  would  seem  to  have  been  the  last  of  the  series.  This  and  the  Gold  Tetradrachm  below  from  the  same 
issue  provide  wonderful  examples  of  late  Hellenistic  portraiture.  Unlike  earlier  issues,  they  are  struck  in  high  relief,  with  intricate  hair 
curls  and  an  almost  baroque  treatment  of  the  folds  of  the  veil. 


90  Ptolemy  VI  or  VIII.  Gold  Tetradrachm.  Type  and  legend  as  last,  but  Tetradrachm.  13.93  grams.  Svor.1500.  Extremely  rare 
denomination.  Extremely  Fine.  (12,000-15,000' 

Ex  Stack’s  Sale  (April  30,  1964,  lot  29). 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 41  — 


Prices  in  ( ) are  Estimates  Only 


ROMAN  REPUBLIC 

AES  GRAVE  ISSUES 


91  ROME.  264-240  B.C.  As.  Facing  head  of  Minerva.  Rv.  Bull  walking  r.,  caduceus  above,  ROMA  below.  274.70  grams.  Craw. 37/ 
Ic,  H. PI. 55. 78  (99  examples  cited),  T-V  43a.  Wonderful,  mottled  green  and  red-brown  patina.  Close  to  Extremely  Fine.  An 
exceptional  early  bronze.  (5,000-7,000) 

Ex  Credit  Suisse  Berne  VII  (1987,  lot  377). 

The  depiction  of  Minerva  here  is  essentially  of  Greek  inspiration.  The  bull  probably  represents  Italy  or  its  people,  similar  to  the  bull 
appearing  on  the  coins  of  the  Italians  in  the  Social  War.  The  weight  standard  of  this  issue  is  based  on  a bronze  As  of  about  278  grams, 
implying  a date  after  approximately  264  B.C.  While  Thurlow-Vecchi  lists  the  coin  under  Roman  issues,  it  is  quite  possible  that  the  mint 
is  to  be  found  in  southern  Italy,  perhaps  at  Luceria. 


92  22.')-2I7  B.C.  As.  Head  of  •Janus,  mark  of  value  below.  Rv.  Prow  r.,  mark  of  value  above.  283.42  grams.  Craw. 35  1,  H . PI.  10.1,  f- 

V 51.  Mottb'il,  somewhat  rough  dark  gn*en  patina.  Cood  Very  Fine.  ' l.OOO-l.oOO' 


Thr  illiiHlrntifin^  on  thin  futgr  are  :dina’n  actual  sizi 


42 


Trices  in  . Uirc  Estimates  Dniv 


ROMAN  REPUBLICAN  STRUCK  ISSUES 

EARLY  REPUBLICAN  GOLD 


93  Anonymous  Issue.  From  211  B.C.  on.  Gold  60  As.  Helmeted  head  of  Mars  r.  Rv.  Eagle  on  thunderbolt  r.;  ROMA  below.  3.35 
grams.  Craw. 44/2.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (2,000-2,500) 

The  attribution  of  these  anonymous  gold  pieces  has  been  the  source  of  some  dispute  over  the  years.  Earlier  works,  such  as  the  Wayte 
Raymond  Catalogue  of  the  Morgan  Collection,  attributed  them  to  Capua  in  Campania.  More  recent  works  have  suggested  the  somewhat 
vague  label  “Romano-Campanian.”  A number  of  distinguished  scholars,  however,  including  De  Salis,  Grueber,  and  most  recently  Craw- 
ford, have  assigned  them  to  Rome  and  there  seems  to  be  no  compelling  reason  to  abandon  this  position.  The  coins  bear  a marked  value  of 
60  (Asses),  the  silver  Denarius,  Quinarius  and  Sestertius  being  10,  5,  and  2V2  Asses  respectively.  The  above  gold  60  Asses  represent 
the  earliest  gold  coins  struck  by  the  Roman  Republic. 

M.  AEMILIUS  LEPIDUS 


94  M.  Aemilius  Lepidus.  Denarius,  61  B.C.  Laureate  and  diademed  female  head  r.,  no  symbols.  Rv.  Equestrian  statue  of  M.  Lep- 
idus  r.,  holding  trophy;  M.  LEPIDVS  in  ex.  Craw. 419/lb,  Syd.  828  var.  (no  symbols  on  obverse).  Rare  variety.  Virtually  F.D.C. 

(1,500-2,000) 

Marcus  Aemilius  Lepidus  was  censor  in  179  B.C.  Earlier  in  his  career,  he  served  as  Praetor  in  Sicily  during  the  Second  Punic  War. 
While  holding  Lilybaeum  with  a fleet  of  perhaps  35  ships,  he  repelled  a Carthaginian  naval  attack  and  captured  seven  ships. 

POMPEY  THE  GREAT 


95  Pompey  the  Great.  Denarius,  struck  42-40  B.C.,  by  Sextus  Pompey.  Bare  head  of  Pompey  the  Great  r.,  capis  behind,  lituus 
faintly  visible  before;  MAG.  PIVS  IM|P.  ITER).  Rv.  Neptune  standing  1.  with  foot  on  prow,  the  two  Catanaean  brothers, 
Anapias  and  Amphinomus  on  either  side,  each  carrying  a parent  on  his  shoulders;  CLAS.  ET  ORAE  MARIT.  EX  S.C.  in  ex. 
Craw. 51  l/3a,  Syd.  1344  (R4).  Dark  tone.  Extremely  Fine.  (3,000-4,000) 

This  Denarius  was  struck  by  Sextus  Pompey,  younger  son  of  Pompey  the  Great,  after  his  victory  over  Salvidienus,  one  of  Octavian's 
generals.  The  reverse  type  refers  to  his  acclamation  as  the  “son  of  Neptune.”  The  representation  of  the  Sicilian  brothers  Anapias  and 
Amphinomus  saving  their  parents  from  the  eruption  ofMt.  Etna  may  refer  to  general  filial  piety  or  a local  reference  to  Catana  where  the 
coin  issue  was  probably  struck. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 43  — 


Prices  in  i > are  Estimates  Only 


SEXTUS  POMPEY 


96  Sextus  Pompey.  Aureus,  42-40  B.C.,  struck  in  Sicily.  Bare  head  of  Sextus  Pompey  r.,  slight  beard;  MAG.  PIVS  IMP.  ITER,  all 
[ in  oak-wreath.  Rv.  Heads  of  Pompey  the  Great  and  Cnaeus  Pompey  facing  one  another,  lituus  on  1.,  tripod  on  r.,  CLAS.  ET 

ORAE/MARIT.  EX  S.C.  below.  8.11  grams.  Craw.511/1,  Syd.  1346  (R7).  Near  Mint  State.  (80,000-100,000) 

Ex  Ars  Classica  XVII  (1934,  lot  680),  Sir  Arthur  Evans;  Stack’s  Whitney  Sale  (November  29,  1990,  lot  12). 

This  Aureus,  the  only  coin  issue  of  Sextus,  was  struck  on  his  sole  authority  from  his  base  in  Sicily  while  he  held  from  the  Senate  the 
[ naval  command  with  the  title  PRAEFECTUS  CLASSIS  ET  ORAE  MARITIMA.  The  coin  neatly  summarizes  the  honors  and  accom- 

plishments of  the  family  of  Pompey.  The  obverse  portrait  of  Sextus  Pompey  is  surrounded  by  an  oak  wreath,  probably  referring  to  his  res- 
cue of  the  victims  of  the  proscription.  The  reverse  bears  the  portraits  of  his  father,  Pompey  the  Great,  and  his  brother,  Cnaeus  Pompeius 
j Junior,  flanked  by  a lituus  and  tripod,  symbolizing  their  respective  priesthoods  - augur  and  decemvir  sacris  faciundis.  This  coin  rep- 

I resents  the  first  realistic  and  artistically  significant  portrait  to  be  struck  of  a living  person.  As  such,  it  sets  a standard  of  brutally  frank 

j portraits  that  came  to  characterize  the  Roman  Imperatorial  and  Imperial  series. 


JULIUS  CAESAR 


97  Julius  Caesar.  Aureus,  46  B.C.  Moneyer  A.  Hirtius.  Veiled  female  head  r.;  C. CAESAR  COS.  TER.  Rv.  Lituus,  jug  and  axe;  A. 
HIRTIVS  P.R.  7.94  grams.  Craw.466/1,  Syd.  1018.  Full  flan.  Finely  styled.  Extremely  Fine.  (4,000-5,000) 

Aulus  Hirtius  was  a close  friend  and  lieutenant  of  Caesar,  whom  he  served  in  Gaul  and  in  the  Civil  Wars.  He  reached  the  proctorship 
in  46  B.C.,  at  which  time  he  struck  a large  issue  of  Aurei,  an  exceptionally  attractive  example  of  which  is  presented  above.  This  issue  was 
struck  to  finance  a lavish  triumph  celebrating  Caesar’s  victories  in  Gaul,  Egypt,  Pontus  and  Africa.  After  Caesar’s  death,  Hirtius  joined 
Octavian  against  Antony,  but  was  killed  at  the  siege  of  Mutina.  A gourmet  and  man  of  letters,  he  appears  to  have  ben  much  less  accom- 
plished as  a warrior. 


98  Julius  Caesar.  Denarius,  49-48  B.C.  Elephant  r.  trampling  on  serpent;  CAESAR  below.  Rv.  Priestly  emblems:  simpulum, 
a.spergillum,  axe  and  apex.  Craw.443/1,  Syd.  1006.  Dark  tone.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (400-600' 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 45  — 


Prices  in  ( ) arc  Estimates  Only 


JULIUS  CAESAR 


99  Julius  Caesar.  Denarius,  42  B.C.  Moneyer  L.  Livineius  Regulus.  Laureate  head  of  Caesar  r.,  laurel  behind  and  caduceus 
before.  Rv.  Bull  butting  r.,  [L.  LIVINEIVS]  above  off  the  flan,  REGVLVS  below.  Craw. 494/24,  Syd.  1106  (R5).  Lovely,  dark  ton- 
ing. Superb  portrait  of  Caesar.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (4,000-6,000) 

L.  Livineius  Regulus,  the  moneyer  of  this  issue,  was  probably  the  son  of  Cicero’s  friend  of  the  same  name,  who  had  distinguished  him- 
self as  Praetor  andlor  Praefectus  Urbi.  The  appearance  of  the  portrait  of  Caesar  between  laurel-branch  and  caduceus  with  a bull  reverse 
type  may  recall  a favorable  omen  of  47  B.C. 


CASSIUS 


100  Cassius.  Aureus,  43-42  B.C.  Moneyer  P.  Cornelius  Lentulus.  Diademed  head  of  Libertas  r.;  C.  CASSI.  IMP.  to  1.,  LEIBERTAS 
to  r.  Rv.  Jug  and  lituus;  LENTVLVS/SPINT  below.  8.11  grams.  Craw.500/2,  Syd.  1306  (R7)..  Near  Mint  State.  Extremely  rare 
with  only  17  specimens  recorded.  (12,000-15,000) 

Ex  Stack’s  Whitney  Sale  (Nov.  1990,  lot  10),  NFA  XXII  (June  1989,  lot  24),  Hess-Leu  36  (Feb.  1968,  lot  411),  Hirsch  XXIX  (Nov.  1910,  lot  905),  de  Quelen 
Collection  (Rolin  and  Feuardent,  1888,  lot  502),  Montagu  Collection  (Rollin  and  Feuardent,  1886,  lot  43). 

The  issues  of  Cassius  are  truly  republican  in  feel.  The  obverse  bears  a portrait  of  Libertas,  not  Cassius.  The  reverse  refers  solely  to  the 
moneyer  P.  Cornelius  Lentulus  Spinther,  who  had  been  sent  to  Asia  by  the  Senate  to  join  another  of  the  tyrannicides,  C.  Trebonius. 
Lentulus  then  joined  Brutus  and  Cassius  after  the  death  of  Trebonianus.  The  jug  and  lituus  refer  to  Lentulus’  membership  in  the  college 
of  Augurs. 


101 


Ca.ssius.  Denarius,  43-42  B.C.  Moneyer  P.  Cornelius  Lentulus.  Libertas  / jug  and  lituus  as  last,  but  Denarius  and  the  bead  ot 
labertas  now  veiled.  Craw. 500/5,  Syd.  1305  (11.5).  Dark  tone.  F'ull  flan.  Choice  Extremely  Fii\e.  (1,200-1,500' 


16 


Alt  illuHtraltotiH  arc  enlarged 


I'nces  tn  : > are  Rstimates  Only 


» ♦w 


Lot  No.  104 


LEPIDUS  AND  OCTAVIAN 


102  Lepidus  and  Octavian.  Denarius,  42  B.C.  Bare  head  of  Lepidus  r.;  LEPIDVS  PONT.  MAX.  Ill  VIR  P.C.  Rv.  Baire  head  of 
Octavian  r.;  CAESAR  IMP.  Ill  VIR  R.P.C.  Craw.495/2a,  BMC  30.  Extremely  Fine.  (3,000-4,000) 

Lepidus  was  consul  in  46  B.C.  Upon  the  death  of  Caesar,  he  gave  armed  support  to  Antony,  who  in  turn  contrived  his  appointment  as 
Pontifex  Maximus  in  Caesar’s  place.  Lepidus  was  instrumental  in  planning  the  First  Triumvirate  with  Antony  and  Octavian.  Created  by 
the  Lex  Titia  of  43  B.C.,  the  office  of  the  Triumvirs,  tresviri  rei  publicae  constituendae,  conferred  nearly  absolute  powers  upon  its 
holders.  These  powers  included,  at  least  implicitly,  criminal  jurisdiction  that  could  not  be  appealed.  This  important  office,  the  legal  basis 
of  the  power  of  Lepidus,  Antony  and  Octavian,  now  appears  in  the  legends  of  all  their  coins.  Never  quite  trusted  by  Octavian,  Lepidus 
was  eventually  forced  by  Octavian  to  leave  the  Triumvirate  and  retire  to  private  life,  retaining  only  his  office  of  Pontifex  Maximus. 


MARK  ANTONY  AND  OCTAVIAN 


103  Mark  Antony  and  Octavian.  Denarius,  41  B.C.  Moneyer  C.  Gellius.  Bare  head  of  Antony  r.,  jug  behind;  [M.  ANT.  IMP.AV]G. 
Ill  VIR.  R.P.C.  L.GELL.  Q.P.  Rv.  Bare  head  of  Octavian  r.,  lituus  behind;  CAESAR  IMP.  PO[NT.  Ill]  VIR  R.P.C.  Craw. 5 17/8, 
Syd.  1188  (R5).  Extremely  Fine.  (5,000-7,000) 

The  moneyer  Gellius  was  probably  the  son  of  the  more  famous  Lucius  Gellius  who  early  in  his  career  was  defeated  by  Spartacus  but 
who  went  on  to  successfully  serve  with  Pompey  against  the  pirates  and  support  Cicero  against  Catiline. 


OCTAVIAN 


104  Octavian.  Aureus,  early  January,  27  B.C.  Rome  or  Pergamon.  Bare  head  r.,  small  capricorn  to  r.  below  neck;  CAESAR  DIVI  F. 
COS.  VII.  Rv.  Crocodile  to  r.;  AEGYPT.  above  and  CAPTA  below.  B&S.l,  BMC  655,  RIC  544.  About  Extremely  Fine. 

(80,000-100,000) 

Ex  Ijeu  52  (May  1991,  lot  151);  Sotheby  Hunt  (June  1990,  lot  121);  Leu  10  (1974,  lot  14). 

I^ss  than  a year  after  the  defeat  of  Antony  and  Cleopatra  at  Actium,  Octavian  entered  Alexandria  in  triumph.  The  abcive  coin  reverse 
commemorates  the  acquisition  of  Egypt,  here  represented  as  a crocodile,  as  the  latest  and  undoubtedly  most  important  of  all  the  hornan 
provinces.  Egypt  was  the  breadbasket  of  the  empire  and  became  an  imperial  province  whose  governor  was  appointed  by  Oi'tavian,  not  the 
Senate.  The  above  coin  can  be  precisely  dated  to  the  first  two  weeks  of  January,  27  B.C.  On  the  first  of  that  month  Octavian  reacht't.l  his 
seventh  consulship,  commemorated  here  in  the  obverse  legend.  On  the  sixteenth  of  the  month  the  Roman  Senate  gave  him  the  honorific 
title  Augustus,  an  honor  not  yet  mentioned  on  the  coin,  but  quickly  added  to  new  issues  after  this  date.  It  is  most  probable,  therefon'  that 
this  was  an  issue  of  extremely  short  duration  and  the  last  one  struck  before  Octavian  bt'gan  to  advertise  the  new  honors  afforxied  him  by 
the  Senate  and  People  of  Rome. 


All  illu  'trations  are  enlarged 


•18  — 


Prices  in  ( ) are  Estimates  Only 


ROMAN  EMPIRE 

AUGUSTUS 


105  Augustus,  27  B.C.  - 14  A.D.  Aureus,  ca.  27-20  B.C.  Spanish  or  Rome  mint.  Bare  head  r.  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Victory  standing  fac- 
ing holding  shield  inscribed  CL.V.;  S.P.  - Q.R.  flanking.  RIC  62  (R3)  (Colonia  Patricia).  7.84  grams.  Virtually  F.D.C.  Very 
rare.  (15,000-20,000) 

In  27  B.C.  Octavian  “transferred  the  State  from  his  own  control  to  that  of  the  Roman  Senate  and  People  (Res  Gestae  34.1).”  He 
received  in  turn  from  the  grateful  Senate  and  People  the  title  “Augustus.  ” The  civic  crown  of  oak  leaves  was  placed  over  the  doorway  of 
his  house  in  recognition  of  his  saving  the  lives  of  fellow  citizens.  Laurels  were  hung  on  his  door  posts.  Finally,  a golden  shield,  the 
Clipeus  Virtutis,  was  set  up  in  the  Julian  Senate  house  to  honor  his  Virtus,  dementia,  Justitia  and  Pietas.  These  symbols  of  honor  were 
soon  shown  on  the  eastern  coins  and  later  on  the  issues  of  the  Spanish  mints  and  Rome. 


106  Augustus.  Aureus,  2 B.C.  - 4 A.D.  Lugdunum.  Laureate  head  r.;  CAESAR  AVCVSTVS  DIVI  F.  PATER  PATRIAE.  Rv.  Caius 
and  Lucius  Caesar  standing  front,  lituus  and  simpulum  above;  AVCVSTI  F.  COS.  DESIC.  PRINC.  IWENT,  C.L.  CAESARES 
in  ex.  7.70  grams.  RIC  206,  BMC  515.  Full  flan.  Fine  style.  Extremely  Fine.  (5,000-7,000) 

In  2 B.C.  Augustus  received  the  title  “Pater  Patriae,”  an  honor  which  particularly  pleased  him  (Res  Gestae  Divi  August!.  35).  The 
reverse  of  the  above  coin  clearly  presents  Gains  and  Lucius,  his  adopted  sons,  as  heirs  to  the  throne.  They  appear  wearing  the  “toga  vir- 
ilis”  and  with  the  spears  and  shields  presented  to  them  by  the  Knights.  The  lituus  and  simpulum  refer  to  the  priesthoods  (pontificate  and 
augurate)  which  Augustus  conferred  upon  them.  Despite  the  death  of  Lucius  in  2 A.D.  and  Gains  two  years  later,  the  reverse  type  contin- 
ued to  be  struck  until  the  end  of  Augustus’  reign. 


107  Augustus.  Denarius,  19-18  B.C.  Colonia  Caesaraugusta.  Head  1.  wearing  oak  wreath.  Rv.  Two  upright  laurel  branches;  CAE- 
SAR above,  AVCVSTVS  below.  RIC  33b  (R2),  BMC  319.  Deep  gray  toning.  Superb  portrait.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (2,000-2,500) 

Ex  Stack’s  Sale  (December  7,  1989,  lot  3258);  Knobloch  Sale  (May  1980,  lot  54). 

The  laurel  branches  shown  here  with  a particularly  striking  portrait  of  Augustus  were  those  mentioned  in  the  Res  Gestae  as  having 
been  hung  on  his  doorposts  by  a grateful  Senate  and  People  of  Rome. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 49  — 


Prices  in  i ; are  Estimates  Only 


AUGUSTUS 


108  Augustus.  Denarius,  19  B.C.  Colonia  Patricia.  Bare  head  r.;  CAESAR  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Statue  of  Jupiter  standing  1.  in  hexas- 
tyle  temple,  lOV-TON.  RIC  64  var.,  BMC  363.  Rare.  Extremely  Fine.  (1,500-2,000) 


109  Augustus.  Denarius,  19  B.C.  Colonia  Patricia.  Bare  head  r.,  CAESAR  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Oak  wreath  with  ties  erect;  OB  CIVIS/ 
SERVATOS.  RIC  75a  (S),  BMC  376.  Dark  tone.  Extremely  Fine.  (1,500-2,000) 

The  oak  wreath  shown  here  constitutes  one  of  the  honors  paid  Octavian  in  27  B.C.  (OB  CTVIS  SERVATOS  - for  saving  citizens). 


110  Augustus.  Denarius,  19  B.C.  Colonia  Patricia.  Bare  head  r.;  CAESAR  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Aquila  and  standard  flanking  round 
shield  inscribed  CL  V;  SIGNIS/S-P/Q-R/RECEPTIS.  RIC  86a,  BMC  418.  Medium  gray  tone.  Extremely  Fine.  (1,500-2,000) 

“The  Parthians  I compelled  to  restore  to  me  the  spoils  and  standards  of  three  Roman  armies  and  to  seek  the  friendship  of  the  Roman 
People  as  suppliants.  ” Res  Gestae  29.  With  this  coin  reverse  and  the  type  shown  below,  the  kneeling  Parthian,  Augustus  advertised  the 
return  from  Parthia  of  the  legionary  standards  lost  by  Crassus  at  Carrhae  in  53  B.C. 


1 1 Augustus.  Denarius,  19  B.C.  Rome.  Moneyer  P.  Petronius  Turpilianus.  Diademed  and  draped  bust  of  Keronia  r.;  TV'RPILIAN- 
VS  III  Vlli,  FE-RON  below.  Rv.  Parthian  kneeling  r.  extending  standard;  CAESAR  AVGVSTVS  SIGN.  RECE.  RIC  288  iS), 
BMC  14  (but  without  4 pellets  on  vexillum).  Dark  tone.  Extremely  Fine.  (700-900) 


50 


Alt  illuHtrationH  are  enlarged 


I'rices  in  ( i art'  Estimates  Only 


AUGUSTUS 


112  Augustus.  Denarius,  19  B.C.  Rome.  Moneyer  P.  Petronius  Turpilianus.  Bare  head  r.;  CAESAR  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Pegasos  stand- 
ing r.,  P.  PETRON.  TVRPILIAN.  Ill  VIR.  RIC  297  (R2),  BMC  23.  Slightly  ragged  flan.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (1,500-2,000) 


GAIUS 


113  Gaius,  d.  4 A.D.  Denarius,  17  B.C.  Uncertain  mint.  Youthful  hare  head  r.;  CA-ES-AR;  all  in  wreath.  Rv.  Candelabrum,  AVG- 
VST;  all  within  wreath  entwined  with  bucrania  and  paterae.  RIC  540  (R2,  Augustus),  BMC  684.  Choice  Extremely  Fine  £md 
lustrous.  (6,000-8,000) 

The  youthful  portrait  has  frequently  been  identified  as  Caius  Caesar,  Augustus’  adopted  son  (cf  Dupre,  Cohen,  Bernouilli,  Furtwan- 
gler,  Grueber).  The  portrait  is  now  generally  considered  to  be  that  of  Augustus  (Cavedoni,  Sallet,  Willers,  Mattingly,  Laffranchi  and 
Bahrfeldt)  and  to  have  been  struck  in  17  B.C.  for  the  celetration  of  the  Ludi  Seculares.  The  mint  is  still  uncertain.  Rome  and  Lugdunum 
have  been  proposed.  Laffranchi  at  first  favored  Thrace  or  Asia  Minor,  then  proposed  Bosporus  Cyzicus.  The  mystery  is  deepened  by  the 
fact  that  the  obverse  and  reverse  types,  issued  in  both  silver  and  gold,  are  never  repeated  in  the  entire  Imperial  series.  For  further  details 
see  C.H.V.  Sutherland,  “The  Date  and  Significance  of  the  Candelabrum  Coins  of  Augustus.”  Classical  Review,  1944.  pp.46ff. 

AGRIPPA 


114  Agrippa,  d.  12  B.C.  As,  struck  by  Caligula,  37-41  A.D.  Head  of  Agrippa  1.  wearing  rostral  crown;  M.  AGRIPPA  L.F.  COS.  III. 
Rv.  Neptune  standing  1.  holding  trident  with  1.  hand  and  dolphin  in  r.;  S.C.  RIC  58,  CNR  5/28  (this  piece).  Exceptional  portrait. 
Extremely  Fine  with  an  attractive  dark  olive  brown  patina.  (6,000-8,000) 

Ex  Hunt  Collection  (Sotheby’s,  June  1991,  lot  682),  Weintraub  Collection,  Sternberg  (November  1973,  lot  48),  Miinzen  und  Medaillen  43  (1970,  lot  282). 

Marcus  Vipsanius  Agrippa  was  a lifelong  friend  of  Augustus  and  one  of  his  best  generals.  In  36  B.C.  he  defeated  Sextus  Pompey  in  tu'o 
naval  engagements  at  Mylae  and  Naulochus.  Agrippa  commanded  the  left  wing  at  Actium  and  served  with  distinction  in  Illyria,  Gaul 
and  Spain.  In  13  B.C.,  despite  the  fact  that  he  was  nearly  the  same  age  as  Augustus,  he  seemed  to  be  the  Emperor’s  choice  as  heir,  hold- 
ing the  same  tribunician  power  and  maius  imperium  and  married  to  the  Emperor’s  daughter,  Julia.  The  very  next  year,  however,  Agrip- 
pa fell  ill  and  died  while  returning  from  a mission  to  Pannonia.  His  sons,  Gaius  and  Lucius,  became  the  next  in  line  to  succeed  to  the 
purple. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 51  — 


Prices  in  ( ) are  Estimates  Only 


TIBERIUS 


115  Tiberius,  14-37  A.D.  Aureus.  Lugdunum.  Laureate  head  r.;  TI.  CAESAR  DIVI  AVG.  F.  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Livia  as  Pax  holding 
reversed  spear,  seated  r.  on  throne  with  ornamented  legs,  triple  line  helow;  PONTIF.  MAXIM.  7.71  grams.  RIG  27,  BMC  39. 
Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (6,000-8,000) 

The  historians  Tacitus  and  Suetonius  recorded  that  Tiberius  accepted  his  destiny  to  rule  with  reluctance  and  consistently  refused  to 
embellish  his  position.  This  in  their  view  was  feigned  modesty.  Whatever  the  truth,  it  was  a public  position  which  the  coins  also  reflected. 
The  figure  of  Livia  as  Pax  appeared  on  nearly  every  Gold  and  Silver  issue  of  Tiberius. 


116  Tiberius.  Denarius.  Lugdunum.  Laureate  head  r.;  TI.  CAESAR  DIVI  AVG.  F.  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Livia  as  last  on  throne  with 
ornamented  legs,  hut  holding  scepter,  resting  foot  on  stool  and  single  base  line;  PONTIF.  MAXIM.  The  Tribute  Penny  of  the 
Bible.  RIC  30,  BMC  48.  Extremely  Fine.  (700-900) 


117  Tiberius.  Sestertius,  22-23  A.D.  A laureate  and  togate  depiction  of  Tiberius  seated  1.,  feet  on  stool,  holding  patera  and  long 
scepter;  CIVITATIBVS  ASIAF  RFSTITVTIS.  Rv.  TI.  CAESAR  DIVI  AVG.  F.  AVGVST.  P.M.  TR.  PO'f.  XXIIll  around  large 
S.C.  RIC  48,  BMC  70.  Even  dark  mahogany,  lightly  smoothed.  Splendid  detail.  Extremely  Fine.  An  exceptional  bronze. 

(1.500-2.000) 

This  interesting  issue,  one  of  the  few  innovative  .series  of  the  entire  reign  of  Tiberius,  commemorated  the  remission  of  tribute  grant(\l  to 
a number  of  cities  of  Asia  Minor  which  had  been  severely  damaged  by  earthquakes  in  17  A.D.  Some  see  the  skilled  hand  of  Sejanus,  the 
Prefect  of  the  Praetorian  Guard,  in  the  very  brief  use  of  Tiherian  bronzes  to  advertise  speeifie  aeeomplishments  of  the  n'ign. 

52 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


Priees  in  i Gire  Kstimates  Only 


NERO  CLAUDIUS  DRUSUS 


118  Nero  Claudius  Drusus,  d.  9 B.C.  Aureus,  41-45  A.D.,  struck  by  his  son  Claudius.  Laureate  head  1.;  NERO  CLAVDIVS 
DRVSVS  GERMANICVS  IMP.  Rv.  Triumphal  arch;  DE  GERMANIS.  7.85  grams.  RIG  71  (R2),  BMC  100.  Choice  Extremely 
Fine.  (6,000-8,000) 

Suetonius  (Divus  Claudius  1)  records  that  Nero  Claudius  Drusus  was  voted  an  arch  on  the  Appian  Way  with  trophies  as  well  as  the 
name  “Germanicus”  for  himself  and  his  heirs  in  recognition  of  his  victories  against  the  German  tribes. 


CALIGULA 


119  Caligula,  37-41  A.D.  Aureus,  37-38  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  C.  CAESAR  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  TR.  POT.  Rv.  Draped  bust  of  Agrip- 
pina r.;  AGRIPPINA  MAT.  C.  CAES.  AVG.  GERM.  7.76  grams.  RIC  13  (R2),  BMC  14.  Full  flan.  Extremely  Fine.  ( 12,000-15,000) 

Caligula,  son  of  Germanicus,  came  to  the  throne  at  the  age  of  twenty-five  with  little  training  for  the  overwhelming  task  of  ruling  the 
Empire.  Untimely  death  and  the  plots  of  Sejanus  had  removed  the  older,  more  experienced  Julio-Claudian  heirs  and  most  of  his  immedi- 
ate family.  The  first  year  of  his  reign  saw  an  extensive  coin  issue.  The  dominant  theme  was  the  glorification  of  the  house  of  Germanicus. 
The  deceased  members  - Germanicus,  Agrippina,  Nero  and  Drusus  - were  all  honored,  an  example  of  which  is  provided  by  the  above  coin. 


120  Caligula.  Denarius,  37-38  A.D.  Rome.  Laureate  head  of  Caligula  r.;  C.  CAESAR  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  TR.  POT.  Rv.  Radiate  head 
of  deified  Augustus  r.;  DIWS  AVG.  PATER  PATRIAE.  RIC  16  (R2),  BMC  17.  Excellent  portraits.  Dark  tone.  Nearly  Extremely 
Fine.  (4,000-6,000) 

The  death  of  Tiberius  produced  considerable  relief  and  joy  in  Rome.  Caligula’s  early  public  actions  served  to  intensify  the  happiness  at 
the  change  in  imperial  leadership.  Caligula  began  his  reign  with  an  admirable  show  of  decorum.  His  dead  mother  and  brothers  were 
honored,  as  were  Antonia,  his  grandmother,  and  his  uncle  Claudius.  Tiberius  was  given  a public  funeral  and  legacies  were  duly  paid 
from  the  estates  of  Tiberius  and  Livia.  A cornerstone  of  his  initially  expressed  program  was  the  return  to  Augustan  ideas  and  co-opera- 
tion with  the  Senate.  It  was  in  the  spirit  of  this  return  that  Aurei  and  Denarii  of  Caligula  showed  the  new  emperor  linked  to  the  portrait 
of  the  deified  Augustus,  the  founder  of  the  Principate. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 53  — 


Prices  in  i / are  Estimates  Onl\ 


CALIGULA 


121  Caligula.  Denarius,  37-38  A.D.  Laureate  head  of  Caligula  r.;  C.  CAESAR  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  TR.  POT.  Rv.  Bare  head  of  Ger- 
manicus  r.;  GERMANICVS  CAES.  P.  C.  CAES.  AVG.  GERM.  RIC  18  (R2),  BMC  20  (this  coin).  Very  Fine.  (2,500-3,000) 

Germanicus  was  the  elder  son  of  Drusus  and  Antonia  who  was  adopted  by  his  uncle  Tiberius  in  4 A.D.  A popular  figure,  he  also 
achieved  a number  of  impressive  victories  in  Germany.  There  were  rumors  of  jealousy  and  friction  between  Germanicus  and  Tiberius, 
and  when  Germanicus  died  mysteriously  in  Antioch,  there  was  general  suspicion  that  Piso,  the  governor  of  Syria,  had  poisoned  him 
under  imperial  orders.  Caligula  was  with  his  parents  in  Syria  when  his  father  died,  and  that  death,  as  well  as  the  untimely  death  of 
almost  everyone  close  to  him  in  these  early  years,  may  well  have  contributed  to  his  later  madness. 


122  Caligula.  Sestertius,  40-41  A.D.  Pietas,  veiled  and  draped,  seated  1.  holding  patera  and  left  arm  resting  on  small  facing  figure; 
C.  CAESAR  DIVI  AVG.  PRON.  AVG.  P.M.  TR.P.  IIII  P.P.  around,  PIETAS  below.  Rv.  Caligula,  veiled  and  togate,  sacrificing 
before  an  elaborately  decorated  hexastyle  temple  of  Divus  Augustus;  an  attendant  to  1.  restrains  a bull  while  a second  attendant 
to  r.  looks  on,  holding  another  patera;  DIVO-AVG/S-C.  RIC  51,  BMC  69  (this  reverse  die).  A rich,  reddish  brown  tone,  finely 
detailed  and  well  struck.  Nice  Very  Fine/Extremely  Fine.  (1,500-2,000) 

Ex  Leu  53  (October  1991,  lot  200),  Buddy  Ebsen  Collection  (Superior,  June  1987,  lot  4372). 

This  issue  commemorated  the  dedication  of  the  temple  of  the  Deified  Augustus,  which  had  been  completed  during  the  reign  of  Tiberius. 


54  - 


Alt  till'  truttnn  . are  enlarged 


Prices  in  ( ' are  Estimates  Only 


CLAUDIUS 


123  Claudius,  41-54  A.D.  Aureus,  41-42  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  TI.  CLAVD.  CAESAR  AVG.  P.M.  TR.P.  Rv.  Pax-Nemesis  advanc- 
ing r.;  PACI  AVGVSTAE.  7.70  grams.  RIG  9 (R2),  BMC  6.  Exceptional  portrait.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (12,000-15,000] 

The  interesting  combination  of  the  aspects  of  Pax  and  Nemesis  on  this  reverse  suggests  to  Mattingly  a righteousness  in  triumph,  but  a 
righteousness  of  moderation,  not  of  self-indulgence.  The  Nemesis  here  is  not  vengeance,  but  the  fearless  driving  out  of  evil  and  the  estab- 
lishment of  a just  peace. 


124  Claudius.  Aureus,  41-42  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  TI.  CLAVD.  CAESAR  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  TR.P.  Rv.  Constantia  seated  1.  CON- 
STANTIAE  AVGVSTI.  7.78  grams.  RIC  13  (R2),  BMC  11.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (12,000-15,000) 

Mattingly  observed  that  Constantia  (in  this  case  “courage”  or  “resolution”  in  civil  life)  had  a special,  personal  meaning  for  Claudius. 
It  was  this  quality  that  had  enabled  him  to  survive  the  domestic  turmoil  and  tragedy  of  the  Julio-Claudian  house. 


125  Claudius.  Aureus,  44-45  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  TI.  CLAVD.  CAESAR  AVG.  P.M.  TR.P.  IIII.  Rv.  Claudius,  standing  r.,  clasping 
hands  with  Praetorian  guardsman,  PRAETOR  RECEPT.  7.73  grams.  RIC  29,  BMC  28.  Three  spade  scrapes  on  the  reverse. 
Otherwise  Choice  Very  Fine.  (3,000-5,000) 

Ex  Stack’s  J.P.  Morgan  Sale  (September  14,  1983,  lot  48). 

Caligula,  his  fourth  wife  and  daughter  were  murdered  by  a group  of  palace  conspirators  including  the  imperial  freedman  Callistus, 
two  Praetorian  Prefects  and  a Praetorian  Tribune.  In  the  rampage  through  the  palace  that  followed,  a terrified  Claudius  found  a hiding 
place  behind  a curtain.  Discovered  and  dragged  into  the  open  by  Praetorian  guardsmen,  Claudius  expected  to  be  murdered.  Instead,  the 
Praetorians  brought  him  back  to  their  camp,  proclaimed  him  emperor  and  forced  the  Senate  to  bestow  the  necessary  recognition.  The  coin 
shows  Claudius  clasping  hands  with  a guardsman,  accepting  the  fealty  of  the  entire  Guard.  The  Praetorians  had  been  persuaded  partly 
by  Claudius  being  the  brother  of  the  beloved  Germanicus,  more  significantly  by  the  handsome  donative  that  Claudius  offered  and  also  by 
the  fact  that  with  no  emperor  there  was  no  need  for  an  Imperial  Guard.  The  event  and  the  above  coin  commemorating  it  are  significant  in 
that  they  are  the  first  clear  indication  of  what  Tacitus  was  to  observe  some  fifty  years  later,  that  true  power  in  the  Empire  resided  not  with 
the  Senate  and  People  of  Rome,  but  with  the  army  and  Praetorian  Guard. 


126  Claudius.  Aureus,  46-47  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  TI.  CLAVD.  CAESAR  AVG.  P.M.  TR.P.VI  IMP.  XI.  Rv.  Pax-Nemesis  advancing  r.; 
PACI  AVGVSTAE.  7.74  grams.  RIC  38  (R2),  BMC  39.  A few  minor  spade  cuts  and  two  short  scrapes.  Nice  Ver>’  Fine.  (2,000-3,000' 
Ex  Stack’s  J.P.  Morgan  Sale  (September  14,  1983,  lot  49),  Strozzi  Collection  1831. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 55  — 


Prices  in  ! > are  Estimates  Only 


CLAUDIUS 


127  Claudius.  Aureus,  50-54  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  TI.  CLAVD.  CAESAR  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  TRIE.  POT.  P.P.  Rv.  Draped  bust  of 
Agrippina  Junior  r.  wearing  crown  of  corn-ears;  AGRIPPINAE  AVGVSTAE.  7.76  grams.  RIG  80  (R),  BMC  72.  Extremely 
Fine  and  rare.  ( 12,000-15,000) 

Ex  Stack’s  Whitney  Sale  (November  29,  1990,  lot  23),  Sotheby  Sale  (Oct.  1988,  lot  857). 

Claudius  married  his  niece  Agrippina  in  49  A.D.  and  gave  her  the  title  “Augusta”  one  year  later.  The  above  coin  is  particularly  signifi- 
cant in  that  it  is  the  first  appearance  of  an  empress  on  coinage  during  her  own  lifetime.  The  crown  of  corn-ears  suggests  Ceres,  patron 
goddess  of  the  harvest  and,  by  extension,  domestic  life.  The  image  is  wonderfully  ironic,  given  Agrippina’s  ambition  and  later  activities. 
With  the  aid  of  Claudius’  key  advisors,  the  powerful  freedman  Pallas,  Praetorian  Prefect  Burrus,  and  the  writer  and  orator  Seneca, 
Agrippina  virtually  ran  the  government.  In  50  A.D.  she  persuaded  Claudius  to  adopt  her  own  son  Nero  as  guardian  over  Claudius’  son 
Britannicus  (four  years  Nero’s  junior).  Four  years  later  Claudius  died,  it  is  generally  believed,  from  a dish  of  poisoned  mushrooms  hand- 
ed to  him  by  Agrippina.  Britannicus  died  shortly  after  Nero’s  accession. 


128  Claudius.  Aureus,  50-54  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  TI.  CLAVD.  CAESAR  AVG.GERM.  P.M.  TRIE.  POT.  P.P.  Rv.  Bare-headed, 
draped  bust  of  young  Nero  1.;  NERO  CLAVD.  CAES.  DRVSVS  GERM.  PRINC.  IWENT.  7.76  grams.  RIC  82  (R2),  BMC  79. 
Excellent  portraits.  Extremely  Fine.  (10,000-12,000) 


129  Claudius.  Denarius,  46-47  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  TI.  CLAVD.  CAESAR  AVG.  P.M.TR.P.  VI  IMP.  XI.  Rv.  Triumphal  arch;  DE 
BRITANN.  RIC  34  (R2),  BMC  35.  Choice  Very  Fine  and  very  rare.  (3,000-4,000) 

In  45  A.D.  games  were  held  in  Rome  to  celebrate  Claudius’  conquest  of  Britain.  Two  triumphal  arches  were  erected,  one  in  Rome  and 
one  at  the  port  of  departure  in  Gaul. 


130  Claudius.  Denarius,  50-54  A.D.  Laureate  head  of  Claudius  r.;  TI.  CLAVD.  CAESAR  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  TRIE.  POT.  P.P.  Rv. 
Bare-headed  and  draped  bust  of  Nero  1.;  NERO  CLAVD.  CAES.  DRVSVS  GERM.  PRINC.  IVVENT.  RI('83  (R2).  BMC  80. 
Medium  gray.  Choice  Extremely  Ihne*  and  rare.  l3, 500-4,500) 


56 


All  tlluHlraltonn  arc  enlarged 


Prices  in  ( Uire  Kstimutcs  Only 


NERO 


131  Nero,  Caesar,  50-54  A.D.  Aureus.  Bare  headed  and  draped  young  bust  1.;  NERO  CLAVD.  CAES.  DRVSVS  GERM.  PRINC. 
IWENT.  Rv.  Simpulum/tripod  and  lituus/patera;  SACERD.  COOPT.  IN  OMN.  CONL.  SVPRA  NVM.  EX  S.C.  7.66  grams. 
RIC  76  (R2),  BMC  84.  Exceptionally  well  styled.  Superb  Extremely  Fine.  (10,000-12,000) 

The  above  coin  reverse  alludes  to  the  fact  that  in  51  A.D.  Nero  was  admitted  to  four  priestly  colleges:  the  Pontifices,  the  Augures,  the 
Quindecimviri  Sacris  Faciundis  (keepers  of  the  Sibylline  books)  and  the  Epulones  (who  supervised  religious  banquets).  These  colleges 
were  symbolized  by  the  simpulum,  lituus,  tripod  and  patera  respectively.  The  possession  of  these  and  other  offices  clearly  marked  Nero  as 
the  heir  to  the  throne  and  is  clear  evidence  of  the  relentless  ambitions  of  Agrippina  for  her  son  Nero. 


132  Nero,  as  Emperor,  54-68  A.D.  Aureus,  60-61  A.D.  Bare  head  r.;  NERO  CAESAR  AVG.  IMP.  Rv.  Virtus  standing  1.,  right  foot 
on  helmet;  PONTIF.  MAX.  TR.P.  VII  COS.  IIII  P.P.  EX  S.C.  7.74  grams.  RIC  25  (R2),  BMC  27.  Virtually  F.D.C.  Excellent  por- 
trait. (8,000-10,000) 

This  portrait  of  Nero  as  a young  man  is  particularly  striking,  boldly  produced  in  high  relief,  with  a simple  legend  that  does  not  detract 
from  the  portrait,  and  the  elaborate  curls  of  hair  for  which  Nero  became  famous. 


133  Nero.  Aureus,  64-65  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  NERO  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Radiate  figure  of  Nero  holding  branch  and  Victon,'  on 
globe;  AVGVSTVS  GERMANICVS.  7.30  grams.  RIC  46,  BMC  56.  Extremely  Fine.  (5,000-7,000) 

The  branch  and  Victory  which  Nero  holds  probably  refer  to  the  settlement  with  Parthia  whereby  Tiridates,  the  Parthian  nominee  to  the 
throne  of  Armenia,  admitted  a Roman  protectorate.  As  a result  of  this  agreement,  the  doors  of  the  Temple  of  Janus  in  Rome  were  closed, 
indicating  peace  throughout  the  Empire.  The  above  coin  reverse  combines  a number  of  important  themes.  R presents  Nero  as  the  author 
of  the  Victory  which  was  actually  achieved  by  his  lieutenant  Corbulo.  It  also  prominently  adds  to  the  emperor’s  name  the  ever  popular 
epithet  “Germanicus.”  Finally,  it  depicts  for  the  first  time  on  an  imperial  issue  the  figure  of  a living  emperor  wearing  the  radiate  crown 
usually  associated  with  divinity. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 57  — 


Prices  in  ( ■ are  Estimates  Onh 


NERO 


134  Nero.  Aureus,  64-65  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  NERO  CAESAR  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Jupiter  enthroned  1.  holding  thunderbolt  and 
long  scepter;  IVPPITER  CVSTOS.  7.38  grams.  RIC  52  (R),  BMC  67.  Two  minor  spots  of  flattening  on  the  edge.  Extremely  Fine 
and  choice.  (3,000-4,000) 

Ex  Stack’s  J.P.  Morgan  Sale  (September  14,  1983,  lot  55). 

The  reverse  legend  IVPPITER  CVSTOS  is  significant,  referring  undoubtedly  to  Nero’s  escape  from  the  danger  posed  by  the  Pisonian 
conspiracy.  After  the  conspirators  were  compelled  to  commit  suicide,  Nero  dedicated  to  Jupiter  a dagger  that  had  been  intended  for  use 
against  himself. 


135  Nero.  Denarius,  54  A.D.  Confronting  busts  of  Nero  and  Agrippina;  AGRIPP.  AVG.  DIVI  CLAVD.  NERONIS  CAES.  MATER. 
Rv.  EX  SC  in  wreath;  NERONI  CLAVD.  DIVI  F.  CAES.  AVG.  GERM.  IMP.  TR.P.  around.  RIC  2 (R2),  BMC  3.  Choice  Extreme- 
ly Fine  and  rare.  (10,000-12,000) 

Agrippina’s  dominance  in  the  early  years  of  Nero’s  reign  is  clearly  indicated  on  this  coin  by  the  fact  that  her  legend  occupies  the 
obverse,  while  her  son’s  name  and  titles  are  relegated,  in  the  form  of  a dedicatory  dative,  to  the  reverse. 


Lot  No.  136 


.V 


136 


Nero.  Denarius.  61-62  A.D.  Bare  head  r.;  NERO  CAESAR  AVG.  IMP.  Rv.  Virtus  standing  1.;  PONTIF.  M,\X.  TR.P.  VII  COS. 
nil  P.P,  RIC  32  (R3),  BMC  35.  Medium  gray  tone.  Extremely  Ihne.  (2,500-3,500) 


All  illu.'lration  are  enlarged 


58  — 


Prices  in  ( ) arc  Estimates  Only 


NERO 


137  Nero.  Sestertius,  ca.  64  A.D.  Rome.  Laureate  head  r.  wearing  aegis;  NERO  CLAVDIVS  CAESAR  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  TR.P. 
IMP.  P.P.  Rv.  Triumphal  arch  hung  with  garland;  emperor  in  triumphal  quadriga  above,  flanked  by  Victory  and  Pax,  two  small 
soldiers  on  either  side;  figure  of  Mars  in  1.  niche;  S.C.  RIG  147,  BMC  187,  WCN  111.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  Magnificent  detail 
and  a lovely  dark  olive  brown  patina.  (10,000-12,500) 

Ex  Hunt  Collection  (Sotheby’s,  June  1990,  lot  685),  Weintraub  Collection,  NFA  1 (1975,  lot  311). 

The  reverse  probably  refers  to  the  arch  which,  according  to  Tacitus  (Ann.  xiii.4.1)  was  decreed  in  honor  of  the  victories  against  Parthia 
in  58  A.D.  This  arch,  no  longer  extant,  was  probably  completed  sometime  around  64  A.D.  The  coin  reverse,  executed  in  a high  artistic 
style,  provides  an  excellent  picture  of  an  ancient  monument  which  would  otherwise  be  unknown. 


Lot  No.  138 


138  Nero.  Sestertius,  ca.  67  A.D.  Rome.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  NERO  CLAVD.  CAESAR  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  TR.P.  XIII  P.P.  Rv. 
Roma  seated  1.  holding  spear  and  resting  arm  on  shield,  ROMA  in  ex.;  S-C.  RIC  356,  BMC  114,  WCN  168.  Lovely  dark  green 
patina,  lightly  smoothed.  Close  to  Extremely  Fine.  (1,000-1,250) 


Prices  in  ( ' are  Estimates  Only 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 59  — 


GALBA 


139  Galba,  68-69  A.D.  Aureus.  Rome.  Bare  head  r.;  IMP.  SER.  GALBA  AVG.  Rv.  SPQR/OB  CS  in  wreath.  RIG  164  (R2),  Hunter 
3-4.  7.29  grams.  Close  to  Extremely  Fine.  (12,000-15,000) 

Servius  Sulpicius  Galba  had  served  as  a provincial  administrator,  highly  esteemed  by  Augustus,  Tiberius,  Livia,  Caligula  and 
Claudius.  He  had  been  governor  of  Aquitania,  consul  (A.D.  33),  legate  of  Upper  Germany,  proconsul  of  Africa  and  governor  of  Hispania 
Tarraconensis.  Upon  the  death  of  Nero,  with  the  full  support  of  his  Spanish  legions,  Galba  gained  the  throne  for  himself.  His  coin  issues 
incorporated  the  revolutionary  propaganda  of  the  Civil  War  coinage  into  imperial  service,  an  example  of  which  is  provided  below  (lot 
140).  He  also  sought  to  establish  a link  with  the  Julio-Claudians,  in  particular  Augustus,  for  whom  the  simple  SPQR  OB  CS  in  wreath 
was  an  important  symbol. 


140  Galba.  Denarius.  Rome.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  SER.  GALBA  CAESAR  AVG.  Rv.  Roma  standing  r.  holding  Victory  and  trans- 
verse spear;  ROMA  RENASC.  RIC  199  (R2),  BMC  25.  About  Extremely  Fine.  (3,000-4,000) 


141 


Galba.  Tetradrachm.  Year  1.  Antioch.  Bare  head  r.;  AYTOKPATilP  CEPOYIOC  I'AaBAC  CEBACTOC  Rv.  Eagle  standing  1,  on 
branch;  palm  to  I.;  ETOYC  B.  Wruck  58.  Medium  gray  tone.  Choice  Very  Fine  and  rare.  (2,000-3,000' 


All  illuHtratioriH  are  enlarged 


60 


Brices  in  ( ) arc  Estimates  Only 


Lot  No.  142 


’’V  ' ,* 

^ - ' it*'  ■ m 

,1,  'V-yngp 

Mb  '1^*  * 
mBL'  1 

^0 


OTHO 


142  Otho,  69  A.D.  Aureus.  Rome.  Bare  head  r.  wearing  Neronian  curls;  IMP.  M.  OTHO  CAESAR  AVG.  TR.P.  Rv.  Securitas  stand- 
ing 1.  holding  wreath  and  scepter;  SECVRITAS  PR.  RIC  7 (R2),  BMC  13.  Full  flan.  About  Extremely  Fine,  choice  and  very 

(25,000-30,000) 

Marcus  Salvius  Otho,  Poppaea’s  first  husband,  had  been  a friend  of  Nero.  When  Nero  fell  in  love  with  his  wife,  Otho  was  sent  to  Lusi- 
tania as  governor  (58  A.D.)  where  he  stayed  until  joining  Galba  in  68.  The  reverse  of  the  above  coin  promises  that  Otho’s  victory  will  pro- 
duce the  security  so  desperately  needed  after  the  end  of  the  Julio-Claudian  line  and  the  ensuing  Civil  War. 

CIVIL  WAR  OF  68-69  A.D. 


143  Civil  War  Issue.  68-69  A.D.  Denarius.  Gaul.  Bust  of  Jupiter  1.,  no  palm  branch;  I.O.M.  CAPITOLINVS.  Rv.  Vesta  seated  1.  holding 
patera  and  long  torch;  VESTA  P.R.  QVIRITIVM.  RIC  125b,  BMC  72  var.  (no  palm).  Medium  gray.  Extremely  Fine.  (6,000-8,000) 

The  Civil  war  issues  share  one  important  characteristic.  They  carry  no  imperial  portrait,  struck  instead  by  rival  claimants  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  reigning  emperor,  whether  Nero,  Galba,  Otho,  Vitellius  or  Vespasian.  The  appearance  of  Jupiter  and  Vesta  on  this  coin  allude 
to  the  very  core  of  Roman  religion. 


VITELLIUS 


144  Vitellius,  69  A.D.  Aureus.  Rome.  Laureate  head  r.;  A.  VITELLIVS  GERMAN.  IMP.  TR.P.  Rv.  SPQRyOB/CS  in  oak  wreath. 
7.27  grams.  RIC  82,  BMC  14.  Extremely  Fine.  (12,000-15,000) 

Aulus  Vitellius  had  been,  through  his  father,  a friend  of  Caligula  and  Claudius.  He  was  consul  in  48  A.D.  and  prtH'onsul  in  Africa.  In 
68  A.D.  he  was  sent  by  Galba  to  command  the  legions  of  Lower  Germany.  He  raised  the  northern  legions  in  revolt  against  Galba  and  then 
Otho.  During  his  march  to  Rome  he  posed  as  Nero’s  successor.  In  his  coinage  Vitellius  drew  heavily  from  the  basic  iconography  of  the 
Jultn-Claudian  and  Civil  War  issues.  On  this  reverse  he  employs  a basic  type  that  harkens  back  to  the  rrign  of  Augustus  and  the  txjk 
wreath  given  to  Augustus  for  saving  his  fellow  citizens. 


All  illuHlrution..  are  enlarged 


— 62  — 


Trices  in  ( ' are  Rstimatcs  Only 


VITELLIUS 


145  Vitellius.  Denarius.  Rome.  Laureate  head  r.;  A.  VITELLIVS  GERM.  IMP.  AVG.  TR.P.  Rv.  Tripod-Lebes  with  dolphin  on  top 
and  raven  below;  XV  VIR.  SACR.  FAC.  RIG  109,  BMC  38.  Bold  portrait.  Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  (3,000-4,000) 

The  reverse  type  advertises  the  emperor’s  membership  in  the  college  “Quindecimviri  Sacris  Faciundis”  whose  duty  was  the  care  of  the 
Sibylline  Books.  Since  the  emperor  was  routinely  elected  into  all  the  major  priestly  colleges,  it  is  curious  that  Vitellius  singled  this  one 
out  for  particular  attention.  He  was,  however,  notoriously  gluttonous,  a fact  which  undoubtedly  endeared  to  him  a college  whose  banquets 
were  particularly  famous. 


146  Vitellius.  Sestertius.  Rome.  Laureate  and  draped  bust  r.;  A.  VITELLIVS  GERMANICVS  IMP.  AVG.  P.M.  TR.P.  Rv.  Victory' 
inscribing  OB/CIVES/SER  on  shield  set  on  palm;  VICTORIA  AVGVSTI  S.C.  RIC  123,  BMC  62.  Choice  Dark  brown  and  tan. 
Very  Fine.  (10,000-12,500) 

The  above  coin  represents  the  high  point  of  first  century  portraiture.  The  heavy  features  of  the  emperor  are  shown  with  almost  brutal 
realism.  Wonderfully  detailed  and  struck  in  high  relief  this  magnificent  bronze,  almost  medallic  in  appearance,  combines  the  finest  die 
engraving  with  a mastery  of  the  technical  aspects  of  the  minting  of  bronze  coins,  a mastery  which  surprisingly  the  Greeks  never  achieved. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 63  — 


Prices  in  ; ) are  Estimates  Only 


VESPASIAN 


147  Vespasian,  69-79  A.D.  Aureus,  77,  78  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  CAESAR  VESASIANVS  AVG.  Rv.  Emperor  standing  1., 
being  crowned  by  Victory;  COS  VIII  in  ex.  7.35  grams.  RIC  105,  BMC  204.  Superb  portrait.  F.D.C.  (10,000-12,000) 

The  victory  commemorated  on  this  coin  may  well  have  been  that  won  in  Syria  by  Trajan  the  elder,  the  father  of  the  later  emperor. 


148  Vespasian.  Aureus,  77,  78  A.D.  Laureate  head  1.;  IMP.  CAESAR  VESPASIANVS  AVG.  Rv.  Scene  and  legend  as  last.  7.40 
grams.  RIC  106,  BMC  — . Outstanding  portrait.  F.D.C.  and  scarce.  (10,000-12,000) 


149  Vespasian.  Aureus,  75-79  A.D.  Laureate  head  1.;  IMP.  CAESAR  VESPASIANVS  AVG.  Rv.  Aeternitas  standing  1.  holding  heads 
of  Sun  and  Moon;  AETERNITAS.  7.37  grams.  RIC  121b,  BMC  271.  Exceptional  portrait.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (7,000-9,000) 


150  Ve.spasian.  Denarius,  79  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  CAESAR  VESASIANVS  AVG.  Rv.  Ri^diate  figure  standing  on  rostral  a>l- 
umn;  Tit.  POT.  X COS.  VIIII.  RIC  1 19,  BMC  254.  Choice  Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  (700-900) 

The  radiate  fifiure  standing  on  a rostral  column  recalls  an  eastern  issue  of  Auf;ustus.  It  probably  repirsents  the  I'olossus,  a hu^e  statue 
of  Nero  whose  head  was  replaced  by  that  of  the  Sun. 


Alt  illustration  ~ are  enlarged 


— 64  — 


Prices  in  i ) (ire  Estimates  Ihdy 


VESPASIAN 


151  Vespasian.  Sestertius,  71  A.D.  Rome.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  CAES.  VESPASIAN.  AVG.  P.M.  TR.P.  P.P.  COS.  III.  Rv. 
Judaea  seated  r.  in  mourning  below  palm,  captive  Jew  standing  behind;  IVDAEA  CAPTA  S.C.  RIC  424,  BMC  535  var.  Lovely 
olive  brown  patina,  with  minor  deposits  of  verdigris.  Extremely  Fine.  (12,500-15,000) 

In  June  of  71  A.D.  Vespasian  and  Titus  celebrated  their  triumph  in  Rome.  The  specific  occasion  was  the  capture  of  Jerusalem  and  the 
reduction  of  Judaea,  though  other  events  must  have  also  been  in  the  public  consciousness,  specifically  the  defeat  of  the  Gallic  revolt  of 
Civilis,  the  earlier  victory  over  the  Vitellians  and  the  closing  of  the  Temple  of  Janus  to  indicate  general  Peace.  The  triumph  itself  was 
commemorated  by  a series  of  issues  showing  a personification  of  Judaea,  defeated  and  mourning,  either  alone  or  beside  another  captive 
or  before  a Roman  soldier  generally  assumed  to  be  Titus,  who  had  conducted  the  final  capture  of  Jerusalem. 


152  Vespasian.  Dupondius,  71  A.D.  Rome.  Radiate  head  r.;  IMP  CAES.  VESPASIAN.  AVG.  COS.  III.  Rv.  Roma  seated  1.  on 
cuirass;  S.C.,  ROMA  in  ex.  RIC  476,  BMC  P.  138,  *.  Attractive  medium  and  dark  green  patina.  Nice  Very  Fine.  (150-200) 

Ex  Stack’s  Knobloch  Sale  (May  1,  1980,  lot  327). 


153  Divus  Vespasian.  Posthumous  Denarius,  80-81  A.D.,  struck  by  Titus.  Laureate  head  of  Vespasian  r.;  DIWS  AVGVSTVS  VES- 
PASIANVS.  Rv.  Shield  inscribed  S.C.  resting  against  cippus  on  which  is  urn;  laurels  flanking.  RIC  62,  BMC  125.  Somewhat 
ragged  edge.  Uncirculated  with  splendidly  detailed  small  head  portrait.  (1,000-1,200) 

Ex  Stack’s  Sale  (December  7,  1989,  lot  3294). 

The  reverse  of  this  coin  recalls  the  laurel  branches  and  shield  which  figured  prominently  in  the  imperial  iconography  of  Augustus. 


i } arc  Estimates  Only 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


65  — 


Prices  in 


TITUS 


154  Titus,  Caesar,  69-79  A,D.  Aureus,  74  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  T.  CAESAR  IMP.  VESP.  Rv.  Fortuna  standing  1.  on  cippus;  PON- 
TIF.  TR.  POT.  7.36  grams.  RIC  177a,  BMC  311  var.,  Coh.  165.  Full  flan.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (5,000-7,000) 

Tacitus  attributed  much  of  the  Flavian  success  to  the  goddess  Fortuna.  This  may  have  been  a popularly  held  notion  at  the  time.  Cer- 
tainly Fortuna  figures  prominently  on  the  coinage  of  Vespasian  and  Titus,  appearing  as  a reverse  type  almost  every  year  between  69  and 
79  A.D. 


155  Titus,  Caesar.  Aureus,  75  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  T.  CAESAR  IMP.  VESPASIAN.  Rv.  Victory  standing  1.  on  cista  flanked  by 
two  serpents;  PONTIF.  TR.  P.  COS.  IIII.  7.31  grams.  RIC  184,  BMC  173.  Coppery  toning  reminiscent  of  the  Boscoreale  hoard. 
Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (8,000-10,000) 


156  Titus,  79-81  A.D.  Aureus,  79  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  TITVS  CAES.  VESPASIANVS  AVG.  P.M.  Rv.  Capricorn  1.,  globe 
below;  |TR.  P.|  VIIII  IMP.  XV  COS.  VII  P.[P.l.  7.24  grams.  RIC  19,  BMC  34.  Extremely  Fine.  (5,000-7,000) 

The  capricorn  reverse  had  been  used  by  Augustus  on  his  coinage  as  his  birth  sign. 


157  TItu.s.  Denarius.  79  A.D.  Laureate  head  1.;  IMP.  TITVS  CAES.  VESPASIAN.  AVG.  P.M.  Rv.  Captive  kneeling  r.  in  fnmt  of  tm- 
phy;  TR.P.  VIIII  IMP.  XIIII  COS.  VII  P.P.  RIC  1 1 var.,  BMC  15  var.  (hut  head  1.).  A flewish  War  reference.  Extremely  Fine  and 
rar<!.  (1,000-1.200) 


66 


All  illuHlrfitinns  are  enlarged 


Trices  in  ( * an’  Fstiniatcs  Duly 


JULIA  TITI 


158  Julia  Titi,  daughter  of  Titus.  Denarius.  Draped  bust  r.;  IVLI  AVGVSTA  TITI  AVGVSTI  F.  Rv.  Venus  standing  r.,  leaning  on 
column  and  holding  helmet  and  scepter;  VENVS  AVGVST.  RIG  56,  BMC  141.  Extremely  Fine  and  extremely  rare.  (4,000-6,000) 

Julia  was  the  daughter  of  Titus  and  Marcia  Furnilla,  whom  he  divorced  as  soon  as  Julia  was  born.  It  was  widely  rumored  (cf.  Sueto- 
nius Domitian  22)  that  Julia  had  an  affair  with  her  uncle,  Domitian,  and  lived  with  him  for  some  time  as  his  wife.  She  died  early  in 
Domitian’s  reign  and  was  deified  at  his  instigation. 


DOMITIAN 


159  Domitian,  Caesar,  69-81  A.D.  Aureus,  73  A.D.  Rome.  Laureate,  slightly  bearded  head  r.;  CAES.  AVG.  F.  DOMIT.  COS.  II. 
Rv.  Domitian,  togate,  on  horse  prancing  1.  7.23  grams.  RIC  232,  BMC  125.  Several  spade  cuts  on  the  edge  and  a long  scrape  on 
Domitian’s  neck.  Extremely  Fine.  (2,000-2,500) 

Ex  Stack’s  J.P.  Morgan  Sale  (September  14,  1983,  lot  66). 

Suetonius  informs  us  that  Domitian  was  not  permitted  to  ride  in  the  triumphal  chariot  in  the  Jewish  Triumph  of  71  A.D.  celebrating 
the  capture  of  Jerusalem.  The  reason  was  simple.  Domitian  had  been  deemed  too  young  to  participate  in  the  campaign.  He  was  allowed, 
however,  to  take  part  in  the  triumph,  as  a member  of  the  new  ruling  dynasty  and  heir  to  the  throne.  He  appeared  riding  a white  horse  and 
wearing  civilian  dress.  This  was  the  theme  of  the  above  coin,  part  of  Domitian’s  first  precious  metal  issue  from  Rome. 


160  Domitian,  Caesar.  Denarius,  77-78  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.,  CAESAR  AVG.  F.  DOMITIANVS.  Rv.  She-wolf  and  twins;  COS.  V 
above.  RIC  241,  BMC  241.  Dark  gray  tone.  F.D.C.  1 1.200-1.500  ' 

The  appearance  of  the  She-wolf  and  Twins  is  an  interesting  innovation,  harkening  back  to  the  very  beginning  of  the  Roman  state. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


67  — 


Prices  in  ! i are  Estimates  Only 


DOMITIAN 


161  Domitian,  81-96  A.D.  Aureus,  82  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  CAES.  DOMITIANVS  AVG.  P.M.  Rv.  Bust  of  Minerva  1 ; TR 
POT.  IMP.  II  COS.  VIII  DES.  VIIII  P.P.  RIC  33,  BMC  33.  7.73  grams.  Extremely  Fine.  (5,000-7,000) 

Minerva  was  Domitian’s  patron  goddess.  In  her  honor,  he  celebrated  an  annual  five  day  festival  at  his  Alban  villa  and  founded  a col- 
lege of  priests  whose  duties  included  producing  wild-beast  hunts  and  stage  plays,  and  sponsoring  competitions  in  rhetoric  and  poetry. 
The  fact  that  Minerva  combined  martial  as  well  as  artistic  qualities  appealed  to  Domitian,  as  it  had  to  Claudius. 


162  Domitian.  Denarius,  86  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  CAES.  DOMIT.  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  TR.P.  V.  Rv.  Minerva  standing  r.  on 
prow;  owl  to  r.;  IMP.  XI  COS.  XII  CENS.  P.  P.P.  RIC  74,  cf.  BMC  89  (Aureus).  Pleasing  gray  and  slightly  iridescent.  F.D.C. 

(700-900) 

Ex  Stack’s  Sale  (December  7,  1989,  lot  3298). 

In  85  A.D.  the  censorship  was  added  to  the  imperial  title. 


DOMITIA 


163  Domitia,  wife  of  Domitian.  Aureus,  82-83  A.D.  Draped  bust  r.  with  hair  in  long  queue;  DOMITIA  AVGVSTA  IMP.  DOMIT. 
Rv.  Peacock  standing  r.;  CONCORDIA  AVGVST.  7.73  grams.  RIC  212  (R2),  BMC  60.  Close  to  Extremely  Fine  and  very’  rart'. 

(15.000-20.000) 

Domitia  Ixmgina  was  the  daughter  of  Cn.  Domitius  Corbulo.  She  married  Domitian  in  82  A.D.  Ixite  in  bis  rt'ign  she  began  to  feel 
threatened  by  Domitian’s  efforts  to  stamp  out  the  threats  to  his  life,  both  real  and  imagined,  which  he  felt  surrounded  him.  Dornitia 
joined  the  conspiracy  that  finally  succeeded  in  killing  him  in  96  A.D.  She  then  retired  to  private  life  and  survived  until  150  A.D.  The 
reverse  type  reflects  the  language  of  the  court  poets  who  referred  to  Domitia  as  the  “Roman  duno,"  a notion  suggested  hen'  by  the  /xti- 

CfH'k. 


Alt  tllustratinns  are  enlarged 


— 68  — 


Rnees  in  { ) «ri’  Estimates  Onlv 


NERVA 


164  Nerva,  96-98  A.D.  Aureus,  97  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  NERVA  CAES.  AVG.  P.M.  TR.P.  COS.  Ill  P.P.  Rv.  Fortuna  stand- 
ing 1.;  FORTVNA  AVGVST.  7.50  grams.  RIC  16,  BMC  36.  Extremely  Fine.  (8,000-10,000) 

It  is  interesting  that  the  depiction  of  Fortuna,  particularly  associated  with  the  Flavians,  was  continued  by  Nerva,  and  in  fact  appeared 
on  every  coin  issue  of  Nerva  in  gold,  silver  and  bronze. 


165  Nerva.  Denarius,  98  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  NERVA  CAES.  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  TR.P.  11.  Rv.  Priestly  implements;  IMP.  II 
COS.  IIII  P.P.  RIC  47,  BMC  72.  Medium  gray  tone.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (2,000-2,500) 

TRAJAN 


166  Trajan,  98-117  A.D.  Aureus,  98-99  A.D.  Laureate  bust  r.,  early  portrait;  IMP.  CAES.  NERVA  TRAIjAN.  AVG.  GERM.  Rv.  For- 
tuna standing  1.  holding  rudder  and  cornucopiae;  PONT.  MAX.  TR.  POT.  COS.  11.  7.51  grams.  RIC  4,  BMC  7.  Exceptional  early 
issue.  F.D.C.  (10,000-12,000) 


167  Trajan.  Denarius,  98-99  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  |IMP.]  NERVA  CAES.  TRAIAN.  AVG.  GERM.  P.M.  Rv.  Trajan  in  military' 
dress  receiving  globe  from  a togate  Nerva;  TR.  P.  COS.  II  P.P.,  PROVID.  in  ex.  RIC  28  <R),  BMC  54.  Superb  early  portrait. 
Dark  tone.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (2,000-2,500) 

The  reverse  type  of  this  coin  clearly  shows  Trajan,  the  soldier,  receiving  the  globe  of  world  power  from  a togate  figure  of  Nerva,  a man 
who  had  legitimately  received  his  power  from  the  Senate,  not  by  force  of  arms.  The  type  not  only  emphasizes  the  legal  transfer  of  power,  it 
also  underscores  the  military  prowess  of  the  new  emperor,  a feature  that  had  been  lacking  in  Nerva. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 69  — 


Prices  in  ( ' are  Estimates  Only 


TRAJAN 


168  Trajan.  Denarius,  103-111  A.D.  Laureate  bust  r.  with  drapery  on  far  shoulder;  IMP  TRAIANO  AVG.  GER.  DAC.  P.M.  TR.  P. 
Rv.  Victory  standing  1.;  COS.  V P.P.  S.P.Q.R.  OPTIMO  PRINC.  RIG  128,  BMC  328.  Full  flan.  Extremely  Fine.  (800-1,000) 

The  portrait  of  Trajan  shown  here  is  an  heroic  bust,  particularly  favored  by  the  emperor.  It  coincides  with  the  concept  of  the  emperor  as 
a new  Hercules,  laboring  for  the  benefit  of  mankind.  The  legend  “S.P.Q.R.  OPTIMO  PRINC”  emphasizes  the  image  of  the  new  princi- 
pate,  the  first  citizen  recognized  as  such  for  his  deeds  by  the  Senate  and  People  of  Rome. 

169  Trajan.  Denarius,  103-111  A.D.  Laureate  bust  r.,  drapery  on  far  shoulder;  IMP.  TRAIANO  AVG.  GER.  DAC.  P.M.  TR.P.  Rv. 

Trophy  of  arms  set  on  a tree  stump;  COS.  V P.P.  S.P.Q.R.  OPTIMO  PRINC.  RIC  147,  BMC  358.  Dark  tone.  Close  to  Extremely 
Fine.  (200-300) 

Ex  Stack’s  Knobloch  Sale  (May  1,  1980,  lot  460). 


170  Trajan.  Sestertius,  103-111  A.D.  Laureate  bust  r.,  drapery  on  far  shoulder;  IMP.  CAES.  NERVA  TRAIANO  AVG.  GER.  DAC. 
P.M.  TR.P.  COS.  V P.P.  Rv.  Tiber  standing  1.  forcing  the  flgure  of  Dacia  to  the  ground;  S.P.Q.R.  OPTIMO  PRINCIPI  S.C. 
RIC  556,  BMC  793.  Superb  green  patina.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (6,000-8,000) 

It  is  interesting  that  the  above  coin  shows  the  figure  of  Dacia  being  forced  down  by  Tiber,  not  the  emperor.  Here  the  empire  is  being  glo- 
rified, not  the  emperor. 


171  Trajan.  Dupondius,  ca.  105  A.D.  Radiate  head  r.  with  drapery  on  far  shoulder;  IMP.  CAES.  NERVAE  TILMANO  .W’G,  GER. 
DAC.  F>.M.  TR.P.  COS.  V F’.P.  Rv.  Cuirass.  SF’QR  OF’TIMO  PRINCIPI  S.C.  RIC  582  var.,  BMC  913.  Mottled  brown  patina. 
Extremely  Fine  with  a splendid  portrait.  u"), 000-6, 000' 

K‘  Hunt  ( 'iilli'iliiin  '.So/hchy's,  ■lanr  1991,  lot  744 1.  Dr.  Nicholas  (’olirclion  < Kanipniann . Pans.  1982.  lot  860' 


- 70 


All  tllust rations  arc  cnlargnl 


Prices  in  i Uirv  Rstimn/cs  Onlv 


MATIDIA 


172  Matidia,  niece  of  Trajan  and  mother-in-law  of  Hadrian.  Denarius.  Diademed  and  draped  bust  r.;  MATIDIA  AVG.  DFVAE 
MARCIANAE  F.  Rv.  Matidia  standing  1.  between  two  children,  Sabina  and  Matidia  the  younger;  PIETAS  AVGVST.  RIG  759 
(R3),  BMC  661.  Extremely  Fine  and  extremely  rare.  An  exceptional  specimen.  (10,000-12,000) 

Matidia  was  the  daughter  of  Marciana  and  the  mother  of  Sabina,  wife  of  Hadrian.  On  her  death  in  119  A.D.  Hadrian  delivered  her 
funeral  oration,  deified  her  and  erected  a commemorative  temple  in  Rome  for  her  and  Marciana. 


HADRIAN 


173  Hadrian,  117-138  A.D.  Aureus,  125-128  A.D.  Laureate  bust  r.,  drapery  on  far  shoulder;  HADRIANVS  AVGVSTVS.  Rv. 
Emperor  on  horseback  r.,  wearing  military  and  cloak,  holding  spear;  COS.  III.  7.40  grams.  RIC  187,  BMC  435.  Superb  Extreme- 
ly Fine.  (5,000-7,000) 

Hadrian  was  essentially  a man  of  letters,  an  intellectual  critic  and  connoisseur,  litterateur,  and  accomplished  executant  in  music  and 
the  arts.  The  imperial  image,  however,  required  the  emperor  to  be  seen  as  a great  warrior.  The  above  coin  serves  that  purpose.  An  heroic 
bust  of  the  emperor  is  paired  with  the  image  of  him  in  armour,  on  horseback,  holding  a couched  spear. 


174  Hadrian.  Aureus,  134-138  A.D.  Bare  head  1.;  HADRIANVS  AVG.  COS.  Ill  P.P.  Rv.  Hispania  reclining  1.  holding  branch  and 
resting  1.  arm  on  rock;  rabbit  at  her  feet  to  1.;  HISPANIA  above.  7.27  grams.  RIC  305,  BMC  844.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.)  10, 000- 
12,000) 

In  120  or  121  A.D.  Hadrian  embarked  on  an  extended,  over  ten  year  tour  which  took  him  to  almost  every  corner  of  the  Empire.  His  pur- 
pose was  not  only  to  coordinate  military  defense,  but  also  to  examine  conditions  in  the  provinces,  particularly  in  the  Hellenized  areas,  and 
to  make  himself  visible  throughout  the  Roman  world.  These  travels  were  amply  commemorated  on  the  coins  of  134  to  138  A.D.,  which 
showed  personifications  of  the  provinces,  often  in  native  dress  and  with  local  symbols,  either  alone  or  greeting  the  emperor  or  being  raised 
up  by  him  to  a condition  of  well-being.  The  theme  of  the  series  was  essentially  peaceful  in  nature,  showing  the  prosperity  and  .security 
which  the  Roman  order  provided. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 71  — 


Prices  in  i ' are  Estimates  Only 


HADRIAN 


1'75  Hadrian.  Aureus,  134-138  A.D.  Bare  headed  and  draped  bust  L;  HADRIANVS  AVG.  COS.  Ill  P.P.  Rv.  Emperor  togate  standing 
r.  before  female  figure  of  Africa  who  wears  elephant-skin  headdress,  holds  corn  ears,  and  sacrifices  1.  over  altar,  calf  in  center; 
ADVENTVI  AVG  AFRICAE.  7.32  grams.  RIG  315  (R),  BMC  786  var.  (bust  with  full  drapery).  Broad  flan.  Minor  dig  in  reverse 
field  in  exergue.  Extremely  Fine.  (6,000-8,000) 


176  Hadrian.  Denarius,  118  A.D.  Laureate  bust  r.,  drapery  on  far  shoulder;  IMP.  CAESAR  TRAIAN.  HADRIANVS  AVG.  Rv. 

Aeternitas  standing  1.  holding  heads  of  Sun  and  Moon;  P.M.  TR.P.  COS.  DES.  Ill,  AET-AVG  in  field.  RIC  48,  BMC  P.  251 -I- . 
Medium  gray  tone.  Slightly  ragged  edge.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (300-400) 

This  coin  presents  an  outstanding  early  portrait  of  the  emperor,  heroic  in  depiction,  matched  with  a reverse  that  emphasizes  continuity 
in  the  imperial  office.  It  is  interesting  that  the  name  of  Trajan,  Hadrian’s  adoptive  father,  figures  prominently  on  the  early  coinage. 

177  Hadrian.  Denarius,  119-122  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  CAESAR  TRAIAN.  HADRIANVS  AVG.  Rv.  Roma  standing  1.  holding 
reversed  spear  and  Victory;  P.M.  TR.P.  COS.  III.  RIC  76,  BMC  148.  Slightly  ragged  edge.  Pale  gray  tone.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (300-400) 


178  Hadrian.  Denarius,  125-128  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  HADRIANVS  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Roma  seated  r.  on  cuirass  and  shield,  hold- 
ing spear  and  parazonium;  COS.  III.  RIC  162,  BMC  371.  Medium  gray  tone.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (400-600) 

This  coin  presents  a larger,  almost  monumental  image  of  the  emperor,  a depiction  that  became  standard  from  this  time  on.  The  irnfH'h- 
al  legend  becomes  simple,  in  stark  contrast  to  the  painfully  long  titulature  evident  on  Trajan’s  coinage  and  continued  on  the  early  issues 
of  Hadrian. 

179  Hadrian.  Denarius,  134-138  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  HADRIANVS  AVG.  COS.  Ill  P.P.  Rv.  Asia  standing  1.  foot  on  prow,  ludd- 

ing  hf)ok  anrl  rudder;  ASIA.  RIC  301,  BMC  834.  Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  (500-700' 

All  tllit.tlralion.i  are  enlarged  — 72  — Triees  in  < 'an*  Hstirnates  Only 


HADRIAN 


180  Hadrian.  Denarius,  134-138  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  HADRIANVS  AVG.  COS.  Ill  P.P.  Rv.  Emperor,  togate,  standing  r.  raising 
up  kneeling  figure  of  Gallia;  RESTITVTORI  GALLIAE.  RIG  324  (S),  BMC  878.  Slightly  ragged  edge.  Pale  gray  tone.  Extremely 
Fine.  (600-800) 


181  Hadrian.  Denarius,  134-138  A.D.  Laureate  head/Hadrian  raising  up  kneeling  Gallia  as  last,  hut  no  break  in  reverse  legend. 
RIC  324  (S),  BMC  880.  Medium  gray  toning.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  Excellent  late  portrait  and  sharp  reverse.  (1,000-1,250) 

Ex  Stack’s  Sale  (December  7,  1989,  lot  3312);  Knobloch  Sale  (May  1980,  lot  553). 


182  Hadrian.  Sestertius,  134-138  A.D.  Laureate  and  draped  bust  r.;  HADRIANVS  AVG.  COS.  Ill  P.P.  Rv.  Roma  standing  r.,  hold- 
ing spear  and  clasping  r.  hands  with  Hadrian,  togate,  who  stands  1.  holding  roll;  ADVENTVS  AVG.  S.C.  RIC  740,  BMC  1476. 
Pleasing  dark  olive  green  patina  with  minor  deposits  of  verdigris.  Extremely  Fine.  ■;  2,500-3.000 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 73  — 


Prices  in  ■ are  Estimates  Onh 


HADRIAN 


183  Hadrian.  Sestertius,  134-138  A.D.  Laureate  bust  r.  with  drapery  on  far  shoulder;  HADRIANVS  AVG.  COS.  Ill  P.P.  Rv.  Aequitas 
standing  1.;  AEQVITAS  AVG.  S.C.  RIG  743,  BMC  1481.  Slightly  mottled  dark  olive  green.  Extremely  Fine.  (3,000-3,500) 


184  Hadrian.  Sestertius,  134-138  A.D.  Laureate  and  draped  bust  r.;  HADRIANVS  AVG.  COS.  Ill  P.P.  Rv.  Spes  advancing  1.  hold- 
ing flower;  SPES  P.R.  S.C.  RIC  790,  BMC  1564.  Dark  brown.  Very  Fine.  (250-350) 

Ex  Stack’s  Knobloch  Sale  (May  1,  1980,  lot  585). 

SABINA 


185  Sabina,  wife  of  Hadrian.  Sestertius.  Diademed  and  draped  bust  r.,  hair  in  plait  at  back;  SABINA  .WGVST.A  H.\DRL\N1 
AVG.  P.P,  Rv.  Concordia  seated  1.  holding  patera  and  resting  1.  elbow  on  statue  of  Spes  (set  on  base),  cornucopiae  under  chair; 
CONCORDIA  AVG.  S.C.  RIC  1025a,  BMC  1865.  Scarce.  Dark  olive  green.  Extremely  Fine.  l5,000-6.000) 

Vihtu  Sohina,  daiifihter  of  Matidia,  married  Hadrian  in  100  A.D.  Humors  that  she  was  unfaithful  to  him,  fueled  by  the  dismissal  of 
Suetonius  and  Septieius  (’larus  from  imperial  service,  should  probably  be  di.seounted.  She  aeeonipanied  her  hii.sband  on  most  of  Ins  jour- 
rwys.  Shortly  after  her  death  in  ISO  or  107  A.D.  she  was  consecrated  by  Hadrian  and  honored  with  a speeial  eoin  ussiie. 


All  tUu  it  ration  - are  enlarged 


71 


Hriees  in  1 ■ atv  Estimates  Only 


AELIUS 


186  Aelius,  Caesar,  136-138  A.D,  Aureus,  137  A.D.  Bare  head  r.;  L.  AELIVS  CAESAR.  Rv.  Concordia  seated  1.  holding  patera  and 
resting  1.  elbow  on  cornucopiae;  TRIB.  POT.  COS.  II,  CONCORD  in  ex.  7.19  grams.  RIC  443  (R2),  BMC  997.  Exceptional  por- 
trait. Slightly  ragged  edge.  Mint  State.  Very  rare.  (30,000-40,000) 

L.  Ceionius  Commodus  was  Praetor  in  130  A.D.  and  Consul  for  the  first  time  in  136  A.D.  Adopted  by  Hadrian  later  in  the  same  year 
and  designated  successor,  he  took  the  name  Lucius  Aelius  Caesar.  He  died  of  tuberculosis  on  January  1,  138  A.D.  Although  honored  after 
his  death  by  Hadrian,  he  was  not  deified. 


ANTONINUS  PIUS 


187  Antoninus  Pius,  138-161  A.D.  Aureus,  140-143  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  ANTONINVS  AVG.  PIVS  P.P.  TR.P.  COS.  III.  Rv. 
Antoninus  seated  1.  on  platform,  Liberalitas  standing  before  him  with  citizen  to  1.;  LIBERALITAS,  AVG.  Ill  in  ex.  7.42  grams. 
RIC  75  (S),  BMC  281.  Choice  Very  Fine.  (2,000-3,000) 

Ex  Stack’s  J.P.  Morgan  Sale  (September  14,  1983,  lot  78),  Strozzi  Collection  1905. 


188  Antoninus  Pius.  Aureus,  148-149  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.,  drapery  on  both  shoulders;  ANTONINVS  AVG.  PIVS  P.P.  TR.P,  XII. 
Rv.  Aequitas  standing  1.  holding  scales  and  cornucopiae;  COS.  IIII.  7.14  grams.  RIC  177c,  BMC  650.  About  Uncirculated. 

; 3.000-4.000' 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 75  — 


Prices  in  t ! arc  Estimates  Onh 


ANTONINUS  PIUS 


189  Antoninus  Pius.  Aureus,  153-154  A.D.  Laureate  head  left;  ANTONINVS  AVG.  PIVS  P.P.  TR.P.  XVII.  Rv.  Togate  emperor 
standing  1.  holding  globe;  COS.  IIII.  7.29  grams.  RIC  233e,  BMC  815.  F.D.C.  (4,000-6,000) 

This  coin  type  emphasizes  the  essentially  civilian  nature  of  the  reign  of  Antoninus  Pius.  The  emperor  is  shown  togate,  not  in  military 
dress,  holding  the  globe  of  world  power . There  is  a general  tone  of  harmony  and  well  being  under  Antoninus  which  is  well  expressed  by 
Aristides,  whose  oration  To  Rome  pictures  the  Empire  as  a collection  of  happy,  peaceful  and  prosperous  city-states  under  the  aegis  of 
Rome’s  beneficent  hegemony  and  protection. 


190  Divus  Antoninus  Pius.  Posthumous  Aureus.  Struck  under  M.  Aurelius.  Bare  head  r.;  DIWS  ANTONINVS.  Rv.  Pyre  of  four 
tiers;  CONSECRATIO.  RIC  435,  BMC  55.  7.27  grams.  Choice  Extremely  Fine  and  scarce.  (10,000-12,000) 


191  Divus  Antoninus  Pius.  Posthumous  Denarius.  Bare  head  r.;  DIWS  ANTONINVS.  Rv.  Eagle  standing  r.,  head  1.  on  edtar  dec- 
orated with  garlands;  CONSECRATIO.  RIC  431,  BMC  48.  Reverse  a bit  softly  struck  about  the  periphery.  Slightly  ragged  edge. 
Uncirculated.  Sharp  portrait.  (400-600) 

Ex  Stack’s  Sale  (December  7,  1989,  lot  3320). 


FAUSTINA  SENIOR 


192  P'austina  Senior.  Posthumous  Aureus.  Diademed  and  draped  bust  r.;  DIVA  FAVSTINA.  Rv.  F'ortuna  standing  1.  holding  rud- 
der and  globe;  AETERNITAS.  7.25  grams.  RIC  348,  BMC  359.  F.D.C.  (6,000-8,000) 

Annia  (laleria  Faustina,  daughter  of  M.  Annins  Verus,  married  Antoninus  in  approximately  1 10  A.D.,  amsiderabiy  befoiv  his  aiw's- 
Hion.  She  bore  him  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  one  of  whom,  Faustina  Junior,  married  Marcus  Aurelius,  .‘\fter  her  death  in  140  I A.D. 
Antoninus  honored  her  with  an  extensive  series  of  commemorative  coins  in  all  metals. 


■ are  Estimates  Only 


All  illustration.,  are  enlarged 


76  — 


Priees  in  f 


FAUSTINA  SENIOR 


193  Faustina  Senior.  Posthumous  Aureus.  Veiled,  diademed  and  draped  bust  1.;  DIVA  FAVSTINA.  Rv.  Ceres  standing  1.  holding 
flaming  torch  and  scepter;  AVGVSTA.  7.48  grams.  RIC  356d,  BMC  398.  F.D.C.  A splendid  strike.  (7,000-9,000) 


194  Faustina  Senior.  Posthumous  Aureus.  Diademed  and  draped  bust  r.;  DIVA  FAVSTINA.  Rv.  Peacock  walking  1.,  head  turned; 
CONSECRATIO.  7.26  grams.  RIC  385,  BMC  478.  F.D.C.  (6,000-8,000) 

The  peacock,  a bird  sacred  to  Juno,  here  serves  to  identify  the  deified  empress  with  the  Queen  of  the  gods. 


195  Faustina  Senior.  Posthumous  Aureus.  Veiled  and  draped  bust  r.;  DIVA  AVGVSTA  FAVSTINA.  Rv.  Pietas  standing  1.  drop- 
ping incense  on  altar;  PIETAS  AVG.  7.16  grams.  RIC  394b,  BMC  1334.  F.D.C.  (7,000-9,000) 


196 


Faustina  Senior.  Posthumous  Denarius.  Diademed  and  draped  bust  r.;  DIVA  FAVSTINA.  Rv.  Juno  standing  1.  raising  right 
hand  and  holding  scepter;  AETERNITAS.  RIC  344,  BMC  345.  Virtually  F.D.C.  Lustrous.  ( 200-250  > 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 77  — 


Prices  in  ( ) are  Estimates  Only 


MARCUS  AURELIUS 


No.  197 


197  Marcus  Aurelius,  Caesar,  139-161  A.D.  Aureus,  145  A.D.  Bare  head  r.;  AVRELIVS  CAESAR  AVG.  PII  F.  COS.  II.  Rv.  Hilar- 
itas  standing  1.  holding  palm  and  cornucopiae;  HILARITAS.  7.21  grams.  RIC  432a,  BMC  606.  Nice  Extremely  Fine.  (5,000-7,000) 
Ex  Stack’s  Whitney  Sale  (November  29,  1990,  lot  49). 

This  coin  presents  a wonderful  portrait  of  the  24  year  old  Caesar  at  his  most  handsome,  with  elaborate  curls  and  a slight  mustache 
and  beard.  The  appearance  of  Hilaritas  undoubtedly  celebrates  the  marriage  of  Marcus  Aurelius  to  Faustina,  younger  daughter  of  Anton- 
inus Pius  and  Faustina  Senior.  The  type  indicates  that  this  is  a special  occasion  of  “gladness.  ” 


198  Marcus  Aurelius,  Caesar.  Denarius,  158-159  A.D.  Bare  head  r.;  AVRELIVS  CAES.  AVG.  PII  F.  Rv.  Virtus  standing  r.,  foot  on  hel- 
met, holding  parazonium  and  reversed  spear.;  TR.  POT.  XIII  COS.  II.  RIC  480e,  BMC  963.  Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  (400-600) 


199  Marcus  Aurelius,  161-180  A.D.  Aureus,  168  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  M.  ANTONINVS  AVG.  ARM.  PARTH.  MAX.  Rv.  Aequitas  seated 
1.  holding  scales  emd  cornucopiae;  TR.P.  XXII  IMP.  V COS.  III.  7.24  grams.  RIC  189,  BMC  465.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (4,000-6,000) 

The  reign  of  Marcus  Aurelius  was  marked  by  almost  endless  campaigning.  There  was  revolt  in  Britain,  Chatti  invasion,  Parthian 
aggression  against  Armenia,  German  incursions  as  deep  as  northern  Italy,  and  uprisings  in  Syria  and  Egypt.  Aurelius  succeeded  in 
averting  these  potential  dangers  to  the  empire,  but  they  occupied  almost  all  of  his  energy,  and  figured  prominently  on  the  types  and  leg- 
ends of  his  coins,  as  evidenced  by  the  obverse  inscription  on  the  above  specimen. 


200  Marcus  Aurelius.  Aureus,  177-178  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  M.  AVREL.  ANTONINVS  AVG.  Rv.  .Annona 
standing  I.  holding  cornucopiae  and  two  corn-ears  over  modius,  prow  of  ship  to  r.;  TR.  P.  XXXII  IMP.  Vllll  COS.  Ill  P.P.  7.25 
grams.  RIC  389,  BMC  771.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (7,000-9,000' 

While  the  Annona  type  occurs  frequently  on  the  coinage  of  Marcus  Aurelius,  its  appearance  here  as  a pmmise  for  an  adequate  finnl  sup- 
ply may  have  been  oeeasioned  by  the  outbreak  of  the  Third  Mareornannic  War  and  the  fear  that  it  would  result  in  the  diversion  of  net\lt\l 
Hupplies  to  the  army. 


All  ilh.  .tration.:  are  enlarged 


78 


Prices  in  ; 'are  Estimates  Onl\ 


FAUSTINA  JUNIOR 


201  Faustina  Junior.  Aureus,  struck  under  Antoninus  Pius.  Draped  small  bust  L,  hair  drawn  in  bun  at  back  of  her  head;  FAVSTI- 
NA  AVGVSTA.  Rv.  Diana  standing  1.  holding  arrow  and  bow;  AVGVSTA  PII  FIL.  7.31  grams.  RIG  494,  BMC  1097.  Extremely 
Fine.  (4,000-6,000) 

Annia  Galeria  Faustina,  the  younger  daughter  of  Antoninus  Pius  and  Faustina  the  Elder,  was  first  betrothed  to  Lucius  Verus.  In  139 
A.D.  she  was  betrothed  again,  this  time  to  her  cousin  Marcus  Aurelius,  whom  she  married  in  145  A.D.  A woman  of  lively  temperament, 
she  accompanied  her  husband  during  his  northern  campaigns  ( 1 70-1 74)  and  then  to  the  East  in  1 75  A.D.  She  died  there,  at  Halala,  a vil- 
lage at  the  foot  of  the  Taurus  mountains.  Mourned  by  the  emperor,  she  was  soon  consecrated. 


202  Faustina  Junior.  Aureus,  struck  under  Antoninus  Pius.  Draped  bust  r.  with  hair  drawn  in  bun  at  back  and  tied  by  a diadem 
of  beads;  FAVSTINAE  AVG.  PII  AVG.  FIL.  Rv.  Venus  standing  1.  holding  scepter,  no  apple;  VENERI  GENETRICI.  7.51  grams. 
RIG  511  var.,  BMC  1057  note.  High  relief.  Choice  Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  (7,000-9,000) 


203  Faustina  Junior.  Denarius,  struck  before  175  A.D.  under  M.  Aurelius.  Diademed  and  draped  bust  r.;  FAVSTINA  AVGVSTA. 
Rv.  Salus  seated  1.  feeding  snake  rising  from  altar;  SALVS.  RIC  M714,  BMC  150.  Choice  Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  1 250-300' 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 79  — 


Prices  in  f ■ arc  Estimates  Onl\ 


LUCIUS  VERUS 


204  Lucius  Verus,  161-169  A.D.  Aureus,  166-167  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  L.  VERVS  AVG.  ARM.  PARTH. 
MAX.  Rv.  Victory  walking  1.  holding  wreath  and  palm;  TR.P.VII  IMP.  IIII  COS.  III.  7.31  grams.  RIC  573,  BMC  448.  About 
Extremely  Fine.  (3,500-4,500) 

Lucius  Verus,  the  son  of  Lucius  Aelius,  was  born  in  130  A.D.  With  the  death  of  his  father,  Verus  was  adopted  by  Antoninus  Pius  and 
brought  up  with  Marcus  Aurelius.  On  the  death  of  Pius,  Marcus  Aurelius  made  Verus  Augustus  and  colleague  with  tribunician  power. 
The  year  162  saw  the  invasion  of  the  Parthian  general  Osroes  into  Armnenia  and  the  subsequent  penetration  and  collapse  of  the  eastern 
Roman  frontier . Aurelius  dispatched  Verus,  who  proceeded  in  a leisurely  fashion  to  Antioch.  With  the  actual  campaigning  performed  by 
able  lieutenants  such  as  Statius  Priscus,  Armenia  was  recaptured  and  made  once  more  a dependency  of  Rome.  For  this  Verus  took  the 
title  “Armeniacus.  ” In  the  following  year  the  eastern  legions  rolled  back  the  main  Parthian  army  and  took  by  siege  Ctesiphon,  the  Parthi- 
an capital.  Verus  received  two  salutations  as  “Imperator”  and  the  title  “Parthicus  Maximus.  ” 

LUCILLA 


205  Lucilla.  Aureus.  Draped  bust  r.;  LVCILLA  AVGVSTA.  Rv.  Pudicitia,  veiled,  standing  1.  drawing  veil;  PVDICITIA.  7.30  grams. 
RIC  779,  BMC  347.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (10,000-12,000) 

Annia  Lucilla,  eldest  daughter  of  Marcus  Aurelius  and  Faustina  Junior,  was  married  to  Lucius  Verus  in  164  A.D.  at  Ephesus.  After 
Lucius  died,  Lucilla  was  immediately  married,  unwillingly,  to  Ti.  Claudius  Pompeianus,  the  emperor’s  trusted  friend  and  military  com- 
mander. In  approximately  182  A.D.  Lucilla  conspired  unsuccessfully  against  the  new  emperor,  her  brother  Commodus,  who  exiled  her  to 
Capri  and  subsequently  had  her  put  to  death. 


COMMODUS 


206  Commodus,  177-192  A.D.  Aureus,  179  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  young  bust  r.;  L.  AVREL.  COMMODVS  AVG.  Rv. 
Mars  advancing  r.  holding  trophy  and  spear;  TR.P.  1111  IMP.  Ill  COS.  II  P.P.  7.16  grams.  RIC  659,  BMC  795.  F.D.C.  (8,000-10,000) 

Marcus  Aurelius  abandoned  the  practical  policy  of  adopting  a successor  who  would  be  equal  to  the  task  of  providing  gixHl  government  in 
the  face  of  increasingly  disintegrative  pressures.  Instead  he  advanced  his  young  son,  Commodus,  to  the  status  of  joint-ruler  in  177  A.D.  On 
the  death  of  Aurelius  in  March  180,  the  succession  of  Commodus  was  not  disputed.  The  coinage  is  marked  by  a amtinuing  deterioration  in 
design,  particularly  of  the  reverses,  hut  there  is  a revival  in  the  art  of  portraiture,  perhaps  in  resfxmse  to  the  ginxl  Iwks  of  the  new  enifH'ror. 
In  general  the  coins  continue  to  witness  the  happiness  of  the  state,  the  prosperity  of  the  age,  the  harmony  and  loyalty  of  the  tnxips,  the  vieti>- 
ries  of  the  Roman  armies  and,  as  depicted  on  this  coin,  the  martial  prowess  of  the  emperor  and  the  military  siaxTSS  of  the  enipirw 


All  illustration.^  are  enlarged 


— HO  — 


Priees  in  I hire  Estimates  (hily 


COMMODUS 


207  Commodus.  Aureus,  181  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  young  man’s  bust  r.  with  slight  beard;  M.  COMMODVS 
ANTONINVS  AVG.  Rv.  Securitas  seated  r.  holding  long  scepter;  SECVRITAS  PVBLICA  TR.P.  VI  IMP.  IIII,  COS.  Ill  P.P.  7.22 
grams.  RIC  23,  BMC  54  (but  laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed).  F.D.C.  and  scarce.  (8,000-10,000) 

This  coin  features  an  exceptionally  well  styled  portrait  with  short  beard. 


208  Commodus.  Aureus,  186  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  mature  bust  r.  with  long  beard;  M.  COMM.  ANT.  AVG.  P. 
BRIT.  PEL.  Rv.  Emperor  standing  in  center  flanked  by  two  soldiers  either  side;  P.M.  TR.P.  XI  IMP.  VII  COS.  V P.P.,  CONC. 
MIL.  in  exergue.  7.39  grams.  RIC  127  (R2),  BMC  198.  Mint  State  and  very  rare.  (15,000-20,000) 

Commodus  celebrated  his  military  success  in  Britain  in  184  A.D.  and  added  the  title  “Britannicus”  to  his  imperial  title.  Toward  the 
end  of  his  reign,  his  coinage  is  marked  by  a desperate  and  unsuccessful  appeal  for  the  loyalty  of  the  army,  here  abbreviated  CONC.  MIL. 


CRISPINA 


209  Crispina,  wife  of  Commodus.  Aureus.  Draped  bust  r.,  hair  in  round  coil  at  back;  CRISPINA  AVGVSTA.  Rv.  Venus  seated  1. 
holding  Victory  and  scepter,  dove  under  seat;  VENVS  FELIX.  7.36  grams.  RIC  287  (R2),  BMC  47.  Broad  flan.  Mint  State  and 
very  rare.  (20,000-25,000' 

Bruttia  Crispina,  a great  beauty  from  a family  of  consular  rank,  was  married  to  Commodus  in  177  A.D.  She  was  divorced  in  182  on 
the  charge  of  adultery  by  her  infinitely  more  profligate  and  abandoned  husband.  Exiled  to  Capri,  she  was  put  to  death  by  strangulation  in 
183  A.D.  The  appearance  of  Venus  and  her  symbol  the  dove  on  this  coin  is  intended  to  emphasize  the  divine,  or  at  lecust  semi-divine  char- 
acter of  the  empress. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 81  — 


Prices  in  ' are  Estimates  Only 


PERTINAX 


210  Pertinax,  193  A.D.  Aureus.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  CAES.  P.  HELV.  PERTIN.  AVG.  Rv.  Laetitia  standing  1.;  LAETITIA 
TEMPOR.  COS.  II.  7.21  grams.  RIC  4a  (R2),  BMC  7.  F.D.C.  (15,000-20,000) 

Publius  Helvius  Pertinax  had  distinguished  himself  as  a general  under  Marcus  Aurelius  and  Commodus  and  was  prefect  of  the  city  of 
Rome  at  the  time  of  the  latter  s demise.  Proclaimed  emperor,  Pertinax  proved  to  be  well  meaning  but  unpopular  with  powerful  interest 
groups.  The  above  coin  reverse  promises  the  return  of  happy  times.  It  was  unfortunate  for  Pertinax  that  he  made  two  serious  tactical 
errors  in  his  attempt  to  accomplish  this  return.  His  eagerness  for  reform  aroused  discontent  in  the  Senate.  More  seriously,  he  refused  to 
pay  the  promised  donative  to  the  Praetorian  Guard.  Laetus,  the  Praetorian  Prefect,  led  the  Guard  to  mutiny  and  kill  Pertinax,  three 
months  after  he  had  been  proclaimed  emperor  by  the  very  same  Guard. 


211  Pertinax.  Denarius.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  CAES.  P.  HELV.  PERTIN.  AVG.  Rv.  Laetitia  as  last;  LAETITIA  TEMPOR.  COS. 
11.  RIC  4a,  but  Denarius,  BMC  8.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (3,000-4,000) 


CLODIUS  ALBINUS 


212  Clodiu.s  Albinus,  Caesar,  193-195  A.D.  Denarius.  Bare-headed  bust  r.;  |D.  CL]ODIVS  ALBINVS  CAES.  Rv.  Providentia 
standing  1.;  PROVID.  AVG.  COS.  RIC  la,  BMC  38.  Superb  portrait  in  high  relief.  Mint  State.  (2,000-3, 000> 

Decimus  Clodius  Septimius  Albinus  was  Governor  of  Britain  at  the  death  of  Pertinax  in  193  A.D.  His  potential  rivalry  was  forestalled 
by  an  arrangement  under  which  he  was  adopted  as  Caesar  by  Septimius  Severus.  The  mint  of  Rome  struck  I'oinage  for  hint  as  fxtrt  of  the 
tHsucH  of  SeveruH  between  193  and  195. 


All  illuHtratioriH  are  enlarged 


— 82  — 


Prices  in  < ' art'  Hstiniates  Only 


SEPTIMIUS  SEVERUS 


213  Septimius  Severus,  193-211  A.D.  Aureus,  193-194  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  IMP.  CAE.  L.  SEP.  SEV.  PERT.  AVG.  Rv.  Virtus 
standing  1.  holding  Victory  and  reversed  spear;  VIRT.  AVG.  TR.P.  COS.  7.29  grams.  RIC  24  (R),  BMC  32.  Full  flan.  Extremely 
Fine.  (4,000-6,000) 

Lucius  Septimius  Severus  was  a soldier  of  great  ability.  He  had  expressed  his  allegiance  to  Pertinax,  upon  whose  death  he  was  pro- 
claimed emperor  by  the  troops  at  Carnuntum.  He  proceeded  to  dispose  of  his  rival  claimants,  Didius  Julianas,  Pescennius  Niger  and 
Clodius  Albinus,  such  that  by  197  A.D.  he  was  undisputed  master  of  the  Roman  world.  He  was  joined  as  Augustus  by  his  sons  Caracalla 
in  198  and  Geta  in  209.  A comparatively  lengthy  reign  of  eighteen  years,  the  complication  of  three  mints  striking  in  the  East  in  addition 
to  Rome,  and  the  sharing  in  the  coinage  by  the  Empress  Julia  Domna,  his  two  sons  Geta  and  Caracalla,  and  briefly  Plautilla,  all  con- 
tributed to  create  a profuse  coinage.  While  a typical  Septimius  reverse,  the  Virtus  depicted  above  shows  the  goddess  holding  Victory,  laud- 
ing the  extraordinary  moral  integrity  which  leads  to  military  victory  and  accounts  for  the  supremacy  of  the  dynasty  and  its  longevity. 


214  Septimius  Severus.  Aureus,  196  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.;  L.  SEPT.  SEV.  PERT.  AVG.  IMP.  VIII.  Rv.  Victory  walking  1.  holding 
wreath  and  trophy;  P.M.  TR.P.  IIII  COS.  II  P.P.  7.14  grams.  RIC  86B,  BMC  145.  (P1.IX.5,  same  obverse  die).  A few  trivial  edge 
scrapes.  Extremely  Fine.  (3,000-5,000) 

Ex  Coin  Galleries  Sale  (February  24,  1984,  lot  12). 


215  Septimius  Severus.  Aureus,  200-201  A.D.  Laureate  head  r.  wearing  lion’s  skin;  SEVERVS  AVG.  PART.  MAX.  Rv.  Draped 
bust  of  Julia  Domna  r.;  IVLIA  AVGVSTA.  7.16  grams.  RIC  161b  (R3),  BMC  192.  Extremely  Fine.  (7,000-9,000) 

Ex  Stack’s  Sale  (December  7,  1989,  lot  2940). 

Among  the  myriad  of  types  on  the  coinage  of  the  Severans,  special  notice  should  be  given  to  the  “family”  coins,  featuring  his  wife  and 
two  sons  in  various  combinations  on  obverse  and  reverse.  The  promotion  of  the  dynastic  idea,  in  opposition  to  traditional  Roman  consti- 
tutional norms,  was  a central  policy  of  Severus.  The  portrait  of  Septimius  on  the  above  very  rare  issue  is  remini.scent  of  Ale.vander  the 
Great,  attired  in  lion’s  skin.  Julia  Domna,  beloved  second  wife,  confidant  and  advisor  of  Septimius,  is  immortalized  in  this  portrait  of 
quiet,  resolute  confidence. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 83  — 


Prices  in  i are  Estimates  Onh 


SEPTIMIUS  SEVERUS 


216  Septimius  Severus.  Aureus,  202  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  SEVER.  P.  AVG.  P.M.  TR.P.  X COS.  III.  Rv. 
Facing  bust  of  Julia  Domna  flanked  by  draped  busts  of  Caracalla  and  Geta;  FELICITAS  SAECVLI.  7.13  grams.  RIC  181c 
(R3),  BMC  380.  Mint  State.  (15,000-20,000) 

Ex  Stack’s  Whitney  Sale  (November  29,  1990,  lot  64),  Credit  Suisse  (December  1985,  lot  558). 

The  portrait  of  Septimius  on  the  above  coin  represents  a man  in  the  9th  year  of  his  reign  who  exudes  confidence,  both  in  his  own  abili- 
ties and  in  the  future  of  the  empire.  The  reverse  legend  assures  the  public  of  happiness  and  security,  guaranteed  by  a confident  emperor, 
his  capable  and  learned  wife,  and  their  two  sons. 


217  Septimius  Severus.  Aureus,  200-201  A.D.  Laureate  bust  r.;  SEVERVS  AVG.  PART.  MAX.  Rv.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed 
bust  of  Caracalla  and  bare-headed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  of  Geta  facing  one  another;  AETERNIT.  IMPERI.  7.18  grams. 
RIC  155c  (R3),  BMC  184.  Magnificent  portraits  in  high  relief.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (15,000-20,000) 

This  coin  clearly  put  forward  the  dynastic  principle  that  the  new  emperor  would  be  succeeded  by  his  sons,  thereby  assuring  the  longevi- 
ty not  only  of  the  dynasty  but  also  of  the  Empire.  Although  this  aspect  of  imperial  “Providentia”  had  been  recently  discredited  by  Corn- 
modus,  it  had  distinguished  precedents  throughout  the  empire’s  history.  While  the  Romans  always  hoped  that  birth  into  the  imperial 
family  and  great  personal  merit  would  coincide,  they  never  satisfactorily  determined  which  would  be  the  deciding  factor  in  choosing  a 
new  emperor  should  these  two  elements  not  occur  in  one  man. 


218  Septimius  Severus.  Sestertius,  196  A.D.  Laureate  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  L.  SEPT.  SEV.  PERT.  AVG.  IMP.  Vlll.  Rv.  Mars 
standing  r.  holding  spear  and  shield,  cuirass  below;  P.M.  TR.P.  1111  COS.  II  P.P.  S.C.  RIC  708,  cf.  Cugnot  Sale.  18.  12.  12.  lot 
209.  Light  brown  and  tan,  on  a full  flan  with  a medallic  portrait.  Some  weakness  on  the  laurel  wreath  and  cuirass.  Extremely 
Fine/Very  Fine.  ( 1,000-1, 500* 

Ex  Slark'it  1 1 Irrrmbrr  1994,  lot  2256). 

The  reverse  type  refers  to  the  conquest  of  liyzantium. 


All  illustralton.:  ore  enlarged 


HI 


Prices  in  i lore  Estimates  Ihily 


JULIA  DOMNA 


219  Julia  Domna,  wife  of  Septimius  Severus.  Aureus,  196-211  A.D.  Draped  bust  r.;  FVLIA  AVGVSTA.  Rv.  Hilaritas  standing  L; 
HILARITAS.  7.29  grams.  RIG  556  (R2),  BMC  30.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (6,000-8,000) 

Julia  Domna  was  the  second  wife  of  Septimius  Severus.  She  was  born  in  Emesa,  Syria,  daughter  of  Julius  Bassianus,  a plebeian.  Cul- 
tured, witty  and  beautiful,  she  gathered  about  her  a large  coterie  of  learned  men  over  whom  she  exercised  great  influence.  After  the  death 
of  Severus,  she  endeavored  unsuccessfully  to  support  the  claims  of  her  younger  son  Geta  against  her  elder  son  Caracalla.  She  died  in  217 
A.D.  at  Antioch.  It  is  interesting  that  the  Severans  were  the  first  and  only  dynasty  to  issue  coins  for  nearly  all  the  women  in  the  family, 
wives,  mothers  and  grandmothers. 


CARACALLA 


220  Caracalla,  198-217  A.D.  Aureus,  199-200  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  boy’s  bust  r.;  ANTONINVS  AVGVSTVS.  Rv. 
Bare-headed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  of  Geta  r.;  P.  SEPT.  GETA  CAES.  PONT.  RIC  38  (R3).  7.45  grams.  Extremely  Fine. 

(15,000-20,000) 

Ex  Rashleigh  Sale,  Ars  Classica  XII  (1926,  lot  2962). 

Although  mere  boys  as  shown  here,  Caracalla  and  Geta  carry  the  titles  of  Augustus  and  Caesar  respectively.  This  coin  beautifully  pre- 
serves a set  of  early  portraits  of  these  two  young  rulers,  destined  later  for  enmity,  strife  and  sibling  rivalry  which  would  end  in  the  death 
of  Geta. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 85  — 


Prices  in  ( ) are  Estimates  Onl\ 


Lot  No.  223 


CARACALLA 


221  Caracalla.  Aureus,  201  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  young  bust  r.;  ANTONINVS  PFVS  AVG.  PONT.  TR.P.  IIII.  Rv. 
Jugate  busts  r.  of  Septimius  Severus  and  Julia  Domna;  CONCORDIAE  AETERNAE.  7.49  grams.  RIC  52  (R3),  BMC  260. 
Extremely  Fine.  (12,000-15,000) 

This  coin  portrays  most  powerfully  the  family  unity  of  the  Severan  Dynasty  as  Caracalla,  the  elder  son,  honors  his  parents  with  this 
rare  and  important  jugate  reverse.  It  is  interesting  that  Severus  and  Domna  are  shown  here  with  the  attributes  of  divinity,  the  radiate 
crown  and  the  crescent. 


PLAUTILLA 


222  Plautilla,  wife  of  Caracalla.  Aureus,  205  A.D.  Draped  bust  r.;  PLAVTILLA  AVGVSTA.  Rv.  Diana  standing  1.  bolding  long 
torch  with  both  hands;  DIANA  LVCIFERA.  7.36  grams.  RIC  366  (R3,  this  coin).  Broad  flan.  Extremely  Fine  and  very  rare. 

(15,000-20,000) 

Ex  J.  Lambros  Collection  (Hirsch  XXIX,  1910,  lot  1192);  Vicomte  de  Sartiges  Collection  (Ars  Classica  18,  1938,  lot  353);  Hunt  (Sotheby’s  December  1990, 
lot  87);  Stcwk’s  Sale  (December  9,  1991,  lot  66). 

Plautilla  was  the  daughter  of  Gaius  Fulvius  Plautianus,  the  powerful  Praetorian  Prefect  and  trusted  advisor  of  the  emperor.  She  mar- 
ried Caracalla  in  202  A.D.  Handsome  and  haughty,  Plautilla  came  to  be  hated  by  her  husband.  With  the  fall  of  Plautianus  in  205,  she 
was  banished  to  the  island  of  Lipara  and  her  daughter  by  Caracalla  was  slain.  It  is  ironic  that  the  above  coin  was  issued  during  that 
fateful  year. 


GETA 


223  Geta,  Caesar,  198-209  A.D.  Aureus,  200-202  A.D.  Boy’s  head  r.,  bare-headed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  P.  SEPT.  GETA 
CAES.  PONT.  Rv.  Geta  standing  1.  holding  branch  and  reversed  spear,  trophy  to  r.;  PRINC.  IWENT.  7.23  grams.  RIC  16a 
(R2),  BMC  228.  Nearly  Mint  State  and  very  rare.  (20,000-30,0001 

Ex  Stack’s  Whitney  Sale  (November  29,  1990,  lot  69),  Miinzen  und  Medaillen  73  (Oct.  1988,  lot  253). 

This  is  one  of  the  earliest  portraits  of  Geta,  the  younger  son  of  Septimius  Severus  and  Julia  Domna.  The  particularly  charming 
obverse,  bearing  a portrait  of  the  very  young  Caesar,  was  struck  to  commemorate  the  addition  of  “Pontifex  ” to  his  imperial  titles. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 87  — 


Priees  in  { ) are  Estimates  Only 


MACRINUS 


224  Macrinus,  217-218  A.D.  Aureus.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.  with  long  beard,  bust  seen  half  from  back;  IMP.  C.M. 
OPEL.  SEV.  MACRINVS  AVG.  Rv.  Fides  standing  1.,  head  r.,  holding  standard  in  each  hand;  FIDES  MILITVM.  7.12  grams. 
RIC  65  (R2),  cf.  BMC  (Antioch)  64,  but  bust  seen  half  from  back.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (30,000-40,000) 

Ex  Platt  Hall,  lot  1 753,  Karnak  Find. 

Marcus  Opelius  Macrinus  became  Praetorian  Prefect  under  Carcalla.  Fearing  for  his  own  safety,  he  contrived  the  emperor’s  assassina- 
tion. A man  of  unimpeachable  character  but  limited  ability,  Macrinus  at  the  beginning  of  his  reign  faced  both  financial  embarassment 
and  military  difficulties.  His  only  campaign,  against  Artabanus  of  Parthia,  ended  ingloriously,  requiring  the  payment  of  an  indemnity  of 
15,000,000  Drachmae.  On  the  home  front  his  policies  of  reform  and  retrenchment  caused  only  irritation.  A revolt  engineered  by  Julia 
Maesa  in  favor  of  her  grandson  Elagabalus  succeeded.  In  the  ensuing  struggle,  Macrinus  was  defeated  and  executed. 


225  Macrinus.  Aureus.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.  with  short  beard;  IMP.  C.M.  OPEL.  SEV.  MACRINVS  AVG.  Rv. 
Jupiter  standing  1.  holding  thunderbolt  and  scepter;  lOVI  CONSERVATORI.  6.24  grams.  RIC  71,  BMC  16.  Nearly  Extremely 
Fine.  (10,000-12,000) 

Macrinus  is  shown  on  his  coins  with  both  a long  and  short  beard,  the  above  two  coins  excellent  representations  of  each. 


All  tlluHlrnlton..  are  enlarged 


— HH 


I'rices  in  ( ) are  Estimates  Only 


DIADUMENIAN 


226  Diadumenian,  Caesar,  217-218  A.D.  Aureus,  218  A.D.  Bare  headed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  M.  OPEL.  ANT.  DIADV- 
MENIAN.  CAES.  Rv.  Spes  walking  1.  raising  skirt  and  holding  flower;  SPES  PVBLICA.  7.23  grams.  RIC  115,  BMC  94  note 
(same  dies).  Good  Extremely  Fine.  An  extraordinary  coin.  (40,000-50,000) 

Ex  Sotheby  Hunt  Sale  (June  1990,  lot  141),  Leu  25  (1980,  lot  367),  Platt  Hall  (Glendining’s  1950,  lot  1767),  Sir  Arthur  Evans  (Ars  Classica  3,  1922,  lot 
1 06),  Karnak  Find. 

Marcus  Opelius  Diadumenianus  was  given  the  rank  of  Caesar  when  his  father  was  saluted  as  Augustus.  He  later  was  given  the  name 
Antoninus,  indicating  the  attachment  to  the  dynasty  of  Caracalla.  The  only  reverse  types  on  his  coins  are  the  Princeps  luventutis  and 
Spes  Publica  normal  for  the  emperor’s  heir.  The  portrait  on  the  above  coin  is  exceptional,  showing  a handsome  child,  the  hope  of  the 
empire.  With  the  defeat  of  his  father,  Macrianus,  he  fled  towards  Parthia  but  was  captured.  He  was  executed  at  the  age  often. 


227  Diadumenian.  Denarius.  Bare  headed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  M.  OPEL.  ANT.  DIADVMENIAN.  CAES.  Rv.  Prince 
standing  1.,  head  turned,  holding  standard  and  scepter;  two  standards  to  r.;  PRINC.  IWENTVTIS.  RIC  102,  BMC  87.  Rare. 
F.D.C.  and  lustrous.  (1,500-2,000) 


All  illu.'.lralion.H  are  enlarged 


— 90  — 


Prices  in  f ‘art’  Ksttmates  Only 


ELAGABALUS 


228  Elagabalus,  218-222  A.D.  Aureus,  219  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  IMP.  CAES.  M.  AVR.  ANTONINVS  AVG. 
Rv.  Roma  seated  1.  holding  spear  and  Victory  who  presents  wreath  to  Roma,  shield  at  her  feet;  PONTIF.  MAX.  TR.P.  II  COS.  II 
P.P.  RIC  26,  Coh.  230,  BMC  P.  543  *.  6.53  grams.  F.D.C.  (12,000-15,000) 

Following  the  defeat  of  Macrinus,  Elagabalus  was  recognized  at  Rome  as  emperor  under  the  name  of  Marcus  Aurelius  Antoninus,  the 
title  of  Caracalla  whose  paternity  he  claimed.  The  surname  Elagabalus  came  from  the  name  of  the  eastern  divinity  whose  worship  he  had 
introduced  into  Rome.  His  coinage  is  distinguished  by  exceptionally  powerful  portraits.  His  coin  reverses,  however,  tend  to  be  of  a purely 
conventional  nature  except  as  they  refer  to  his  favorite  oriental  sun-god  cult. 


229  Elagabalus.  Aureus.  Antioch.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  left,  seen  from  back;  IMP.  C.M.  AVR.  ANTONINVS  P.F.  AVG. 
Rv.  Emperor  standing  1.,  drapery  over  shoulder,  holding  globe  and  reversed  spear;  RECTOR  ORBIS.  7.22  grams.  RIC  193  (R4), 
BMC  272  note  (bust  left,  Montagu  Sale,  1896,  lot  550).  Broad  flan.  Superb  Extremely  Fine  and  extremely  rare.  (15,000-20,000) 

The  reverse  of  this  extremely  rare  Aureus  from  Antioch  shows  the  emperor  nude  except  for  a cloak,  appearing  much  like  conventional 
depictions  of  Sol  or  Jupiter,  holding  a globe  and  reversed  spear  as  the  controller  and  ruler  of  the  world. 


230  Elagabalus.  Denarius.  Antioch.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.  seen  from  back;  ANTONINVS  PIVS  FEL.  AVG.  Rv. 
Slow  quadriga  r.  bearing  the  Stone  of  Emesa;  SANCT.  DEO  SOLI  ELAGABAL.  RIC  195  (R2),  BMC  284.  Medium  gray  tone. 
Extremely  Fine  and  very  rare.  (2,000-2,500' 

When  Elagabalus  entered  Rome  in  triumph  to  assume  the  purple,  he  brought  with  him  the  sacred  stone  of  the  Sun-God  of  Emesa. 
whose  incarnation  he  claimed  to  be,  El  Gabal.  The  above  rare  coin  shows  that  stone  being  drawn  in  a slow  quadriga  covered  by  four  cere- 
monial parasols. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 91  — 


Prices  in  ! > are  FJstimates  Onh 


JULIA  MAESA 


231  Julia  Maesa,  grandmother  of  Elagabalus  and  Severus  Alexander.  Aureus.  Draped  bust  r.;  IVLIA  MAESA  AVG.  Rv. 
Juno  standing  1.  holding  patera  and  scepter;  IVNO.  6.46  grams.  RIG  253  (R3),  BMC  66.  Full  flan.  Choice  Very  Fine  and 
extremely  rare.  (25,000-35,000) 

As  matriarch  of  the  family  after  the  death  of  her  sister  Julia  Domna,  Julia  Maesa  was  not  afraid  to  exercise  her  considerable  political 
power . It  was  through  her  machinations  that  her  grandson  Elagabalus  gained  the  throne.  She  survived  the  assassination  of  Elagabalus 
and  Soaemias  in  222  A.D.  and  died  about  three  years  later  during  the  reign  of  her  younger  grandson  Severus  Alexander. 


SEVERUS  ALEXANDER 


232  Severus  Alexander,  222-235  A.D.  Aureus,  231-235  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  IMP.  ALEXANDER  PIVS 
AVG.  Rv.  Liberalitas  standing  1.  holding  account  board  and  cornucopiae;  LIBERALITAS  AVG.  V.  6.48  grams.  RIC  242  (R2), 
BMC  945.  Choice  Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  Rare.  (6,000-8,000) 

It  is  during  the  reign  of  Severus  Alexander  that  the  technical  production  of  the  imperial  coinage  reached  a high  point.  Portraits  are 
exquisitely  styled  and  beautifully  struck  in  high  relief  on  flat,  prooflike  surfaces.  Not  only  were  superior  die  engravers  at  work,  but  also 
the  technical  striking  of  the  coins  was  much  improved.  It  is  most  curious  that  with  the  death  of  Severus  Alexander,  the  quality  of  the  mint 
product  again  declined. 


GORDIAN  I AFRICANUS 


233  Gordian  1 Africanus,  238  A.D.  Denarius.  Rome.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  IMP.  CAES.  M.  ANT.  GORDIANVS 
AVG.  Rv.  Securitas  seated  1.  holding  short  scepter;  SECVRITAS  AVG.  RIC  5 (R2),  BMC  11.  Extremely  Fine  and  extremely 
rare.  (2,500-3,000) 

A man  of  great  distinction  and  a Roman  in  the  finest  sense,  Gordian  I was  descended  on  his  father's  side  from  the  Grxicehi,  while  his 
mother  was  a relative  of  Trajan.  He  had  held  many  high  offices  and  was  Proconsul  of  Africa  when  e.xasperation  with  Maximinus  reached 
the  stage  of  revolt.  Although  eighty  years  old,  he  agreed  to  accept  the  imperial  throne.  He  associated  his  son  Gordian  H with  him  as  eo- 
augustus.  The  Senate  and  most  of  the  European  provinces  acknowledged  him,  but  the  governor  of  Numidia,  ivmaining  faithful  to  .Mav- 
irninuH,  marched  on  Garthage,  and  defeated  and  killed  Gordian  H in  battle.  Shortly  thereafter  Gordian  I I'oniniitled  suicide.  Their  joint 
rule  lasted  only  three  weeks. 


Alt  illu  itrations  are  enlarged 


— 92  — 


Prices  in  ( Uire  Estimates  Only 


PUPIENUS 


234  Pupienus,  238  A.D.  Denarius.  Laureate  and  draped  bust  r.;  IMP.  C.M.  CLOD.  PVPIENVS  AVG.  Rv.  Pax  seated  1.  holding 
branch  and  scepter;  PAX  PVBLICA.  RIC  4,  BMC  46.  Full  flan.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (2,000-2,500) 

Realizing  that  their  recognition  of  the  Gordians  would  bring  a vengeful  Maximinus  back  to  Rome,  the  Senate  elected  two  of  their  own 
number  as  co-emperors.  Decimus  Caelius  Balbinus  was  to  hold  a restive  Rome  in  check  behind  Marcus  Clodius  Pupienus,  who  advanced 
northward  to  meet  Maximinus.  Balbinus  and  Pupienus  did  not  prove  popular  rulers,  however,  even  though  their  conduct  of  government 
was,  on  the  whole,  impartial  and  efficient.  After  a reign  of  ninety-eight  days,  the  Praetorians  murdered  the  two  Augusti. 

GORDIAN  III 


235  Gordian  III,  238-244  A.D.  Aureus,  238-239  A.D.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  IMP.  CAES.  M.  ANT.  GORDIANVS 
AVG.  Rv.  Virtus  standing  1.  holding  spear;  VIRTVS  AVG.  5.56  grams.  RIC  12.  Extremely  Fine.  (3,000-5,000) 

In  an  attempt  to  curry  public  favor,  Gordian  III  was  adopted  as  Caesar  by  Balbinus  and  Pupienus.  After  their  murders,  at  the  age  of 
thirteen,  he  was  proclaimed  Augustus  by  the  Praetorian  Guard.  At  first  the  conduct  of  affairs  rested  with  his  mother,  Maecia  Faustina, 
but  then  passed  to  the  capable  Praetorian  Prefect  Timesitheus.  While  campaigning  in  the  east,  Timesitheus  died  of  an  illness.  The  new 
Praetorian  Prefect,  Philip  the  Arab,  treacherously  fueled  the  unrest  of  the  army  against  the  young  emperor.  Gordian  was  murdered  at 
Zaitha  in  244  A.D. 


GALLIENUS 


236  Gallienus,  253-268  A.D.  Aureus.  Rome.  Reduced  weight  issue.  Laureate  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  IMP.  GALLIENVS  P.F.  AVG. 
C.III.  Rv.  Victory  standing  1.  holding  wreath  and  palm;  seated  captive  to  1.;  VICTORIA  G[ER]M.  2.63  grams.  RIC  90  95.  The 
“ER”  of  the  inscription  has  been  obliterated  due  to  a rotated  reverse  die.  Extremely  Fine.  Ver>^  rare.  (8,000-10,000  ' 

The  light  weight  of  this  Aureus  serves  as  a tangible  reminder  of  the  lack  of  any  currency  standardization  in  any  metal  during  the  reign 
of  Gallienus. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 93  — 


Prices  in  t ■ are  Estimates  Onl\ 


TACITUS 


237  Tacitus,  275-276  A.D.  Aureus.  Rome.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  IMP.  C.M.  CL.  TACITVS  AVG.  Rv.  Roma 
enthroned  1.  holding  Victory  and  spear;  ROMAE  AETERNAE.  4.89  grams.  RIC  75.  F.D.C.  and  very  rare.  (15,000-20,000) 


PROBUS 


238  Probus,  276-282  A.D.  Aureus.  Siscia.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  IMP.  C.M.  AVR.  PROBVS  AVG.  Rv.  Securitas 
seated  1.  holding  scepter  and  raising  hand  to  head;  SECVRITAS  SAECVLI.  5.32  grams.  RIC — . Close  to  Extremely  Fine. 

(6,000-8,000) 

This  apparently  unlisted  Aureus  has  a reverse  type  that  appears  on  an  issue  ofAurei  from  Siscia  (RIC  593f),  but  with  the  letters  SIS  in 
the  exergue. 


CARUS 


239  Caru.s,  282-283  A.D.  Aureus.  Cyzicus.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  IMP.  C.M.  AVR.  CARVS  P.F.  .W  G.  Rv.  Sol 
standing  I.  holding  whip  and  raising  hand,  crescent  helow;  ORIENS  CARI  AVG.  4.67  grams.  Not  in  RIC,  Cohen,  Hunter,  .-Xppar- 
ently  unpublished.  Choice  Extremely  F’ine.  Lovely  style  and  execution.  i 12,000-15,000' 


All  illu.ilratton  . are  enlarged 


— 94  — 


Prices  in  ( ) arc  Estimates  Cnly 


DIOCLETIAN 


240  Diocletian,  284-305  A.D.  Aureus.  Rome.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust;  IMP  C.C.  VAL.  DIOCLETIANVS  P.F.  AVG. 
Rv.  Jupiter  standing  1.  holding  thunderbolt  and  scepter;  lOVI  CONSERVAT.  AVGG.  RIC  134.  5.27  grams.  Broad,  thin  flan. 
About  Uncirculated.  (6,000-8,000) 


241  Diocletian.  Aureus.  Cyzicus.  Laureate  bust  r.;  DIOCLETIANVS  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Diocletian  and  Maximianus  seated  1.;  Victory 
standing  behind;  CONCORDIAE  AVGG.  N.N.  5.41  grams.  RIC  292  var.  Extremely  Fine  and  very  rare.  (6,000-8,000) 

The  above  Aureus  is  a wonderful  depiction  of  the  harmonious  division  of  the  empire  in  which  Diocletian  and  Maximianus  share  the 
power,  Maximianus  ruling  the  Western  half  and  Diocletian  the  East. 


242  Diocletian.  Aureus,  294-305  A.D.  Siscia.  Laureate  head  r.;  DIOCLETIANVS  P.  AVG.  Rv.  Jupiter  standing  1.  holding  thunder- 
bolt and  scepter;  lOVI  CONSERVATORI.  RIC  5 (R4).  4.82  grams.  Compact  flan,  high  relief.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (6,000-8,000' 

Ex  Helbing  (October,  24,  1927,  lot  3821). 

In  the  late  Roman  Imperial  iconography  the  emperor  was  associated  with  Jupiter,  the  co-emperor  Hercules. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 95  — 


Prices  in  i ' are  Estimates  Onh 


DIOCLETIAN 


243  Diocletian.  Argenteus,  294  A.D.  Rome.  Laureate  head  r.,  DIOCLETIANVS  AVG.  Rv.  The  Tetrarchs  sacrificing  before  camp 
gate;  VIRTVS  MILITVM.  3.28  grams.  RIC  27a  (R).  Dark  gray  tone  with  faint  golden  iridescence.  Choice  Extremely  Fine. 

(1,200-1,500) 

This  wonderful  scene,  appearing  on  the  Argentei  from  a number  of  different  mints,  shows  the  four  Tetrarchs,  the  Augusti  Diocletian 
and  Maximianus,  and  the  Caesars  Galerius  and  Constantins,  sacrificing  at  an  altar  before  a fortified  army  camp. 


MAXIMIANUS 


244  Maximianus,  286-308,  310  A.D.  Aureus.  Rome.  Laureate,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  IMP.  C.  M.  AVR.  VAL.  MAXIMIAN- 
VS  P.F.  AVG.  Rv.  Jupiter  standing  1.  holding  thunderbolt  and  scepter;  lOVI  CONSERVAT.  AVGG.  RIC  491  (R).  5.25  grams. 
Virtually  F.D.C.  (6,000-8,000) 


245  Maximianus.  Aureus,  286-294  or  296  A.D.  Rome.  Laureate  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  IMP.  C.  M.  AVR.  VAL.  MAXIMIANVS  P.F. 
AVG.  Rv.  Jupiter  standing  1.  holding  thunderbolt  and  scepter;  lOVI  CONSERVAT.  AVGG.  5.59  grams.  RIC  492.  Well  centered 
on  a full  flan.  Nearly  Extremely  Fine  and  choice.  (3,000-4,000' 

Kx  Stack's  Knohloch  Sale  /May  5,  1984,  lot  1210). 

The  above  two  Aurei,  while  virtually  identical  in  reverse  type,  show  very  different  portrait  busts.  The  first  piece  (lot  244  > shows  a slight- 
ly larger  bust,  draped,  with  a hit  of  the  shoulder  lappets  showing.  The  second  piece  shows  the  full  cuirass  with  the  elabomte  bn'astplate, 
in  general  a more  strikingly  military  portrait. 


All  illu-itrations  are  enlarged 


— 96  — 


Prices  in  ( ) are  Kstimates  Only 


MAXIMIANUS 


246  Maximianus.  Aureus.  Rome.  Post  reform.  Laureate  head  r.;  MAXIMIANVS  P.F.  AVG.  Rv.  Hercules  fighting  the  Hydra;  HER- 
CVLI  DEBELLAT,  PROM  in  ex.  RIC — , Hunter  40  for  type.  5.55  grams.  Choice  Extremely  Fine  and  very  rare.  Compact  flan, 
high  relief.  (10,000-12,000) 

The  reverse  type  of  Hercules  fighting  the  Hydra,  one  of  the  famous  Labors  of  Hercules,  directly  relates  to  the  late  Imperial  cult  where 
the  junior  emperor  becomes  Hercules,  laboring  for  the  benefit  of  mankind. 

GALERIUS 


247  Galerius,  Caesar,  293-305  A.D.  Aureus.  Rome.  Laureate,  small  bust  r.;  D.N.  MAXIMIANO  CAES.  Rv.  Galerius  standing  1. 
holding  standard  and  scepter;  PRINCIP.  IWENTVTIS  PROM.  5.49  grams.  RIC — . Unlisted.  Choice  Extremely  Fine. 

(8,000-10,000) 


MAXENTIUS 


248  Maxentius,  Princeps,  306  A.D.  Aureus.  Rome.  Laureate  bust  r.;  MAXENTIVS  PRINC.  INVICT.  Rv.  Mars  advancing  r..  E to 
1.;  VERTI.  CONSERV.  AVG.  ET  CAESS.  N.N.,  PR  in  ex.  RIC  140  (R5).  Compact  flan  in  high  relief.  Choice  Extremely  Fine  and 
extremely  rare.  (15.000-20.000- 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 97  — 


Prices  in  ; ( are  Estimates  Onl\ 


LICINIUS  I 


249  Licinius  I,  308-324  A.D.  Aureus,  315-316  A.D.  Thessalonica.  Laureate  large  bust  r.;  LICINIVS  AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Jupiter  stand- 
ing 1.  holding  thunderbolt  and  scepter,  eagle  at  feet,  I retrograde  to  r.;  lOVI  CONSERVATORI  AVGG,  SMTS  in  ex.  5.14  grams. 
RIG — . Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  (8,000-10,000) 


CONSTANTINE  THE  GREAT 


250  Constantine  the  Great,  307-337  A.D.  Solidus,  335  A.D.  Nicomedia.  Rosette  diademed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  CON- 
STANTINVS  MAX.  AVG.  Rv.  Victory  seated  r.  on  cuirass  inscribing  VOT/XXX  on  shield  supported  by  Genius;  VICTORIA 
CONSTANTINI  AVG,  SMNM  in  ex.  4.51  grams.  RIG  179.  Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  (2,000-2,500) 

Ex  Stack’s  Knobloch  Sale  (May  5,  1984,  lot  1284). 

Constantine  instituted  a number  of  monetary  reforms,  including  the  issuance  of  a new  gold  coin,  the  Solidus.  The  new  denomination 
was  lighter  than  the  old  Aureus,  with  72  rather  than  60  being  struck  from  a pound  of  gold. 


CONSTANS 


251  Constan.s,  3.37-.3.50  A.I).  Solidus,  347-348  A.D.  Trier.  Pearl-diademed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  CONSTANS  AV'GVSTVS. 
Rv.  Two  Victories  standing  holding  wreath  encircling  the  inscription  VOT/X/MVLT/XX;  VICTORIAE  D.D.  N.N.  AVGG  anmnd, 
TR  in  ex.  4.36  grams.  RIG  129  (R2).  Choice  Extremely  F'ine.  (1,500-2,000) 


All  illu  UrutionH  are  enlarged 


— 98 


Prices  in  ( •'  art'  Kstimates  Only 


CONSTANTIUS  II 


252  Constantius  II,  337-361  A.D.  Solidus,  347-348  A.D.  Trier.  Pearl-diademed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  CONSTANTIVS 
AVGVSTVS.  Rv.  Two  Victories  supporting  wreath  encircling  the  inscription  VOT  XX/MVLT  XXX;  VICTORIAE  D.D.  N.N. 
AVGG.  around,  TR  in  ex.  4.45  grams.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (1,500-2,000) 


253  Constantius  II.  Solidus,  337-340  A.D.  Thessalonica.  Rosette  diademed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  FL.IVL.  CONSTANTIVS 
P.F.  AVG.  Rv.  Emperor  standing  1.  holding  trophy  on  spear  and  flanked  by  bound  captives;  VIRTVS  EXERCITVM,  TES  in  ex. 
4.43  grams.  RIC  32  var.  Full  flan.  Virtually  F.D.C.  (2,000-2,500) 


254  Constantius  II.  Solidus,  355-361  A.D.  Antioch,  officina  S.  Pearl  diademed  head  r.;  D.N.  CONSTANTIVS  P.F.  AVG.  Rv.  Roma 
and  Constantinopolis  enthroned  supporting  wreath  encircling  the  inscription  VOT./  XXXX;  GLORIA  REIPV^LICAE  around, 
ANTS  in  ex.  4.50  grams.  RIC  172  (R2).  Full  flan.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (1,500-2,000' 

The  reverse  of  this  Solidus  portrays  both  Rome  and  new  Rome,  Constantinopolis,  sharing  the  rule  of  the  Empire. 


All  illustrations  are  enlarged 


— 99  — 


Prices  in  ( > are  Estimates  Onl\ 


CONSTANTIUS  II 


255  Constantius  II.  Semissis.  Antioch.  Pearl-diademed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.;  CONSTANTIVS  AVG.  Rv.  Victory  seated  r 
inscribing  VOT/XXX  on  shield;  VICTORIA  AVGVSTORVM  around,  SMAN  in  ex.  RIG  92  (R4).  1.67  grams.  Choice  Extremely 

(1,500-2,000) 

A new  denomination  in  gold,  the  Semissis,  began  with  the  reign  of  Constantine  the  Great.  This  specimen  is  an  unusually  fine  example 
of  the  type. 


JULIAN  THE  APOSTATE 


256  Julian  the  Apostate,  361-363  A.D.  Solidus.  Antioch,  officina  I.  Pearl-diademed,  draped  and  cuirassed  bust  r.,  long  beard;  FL. 
CL.  IVLIANVS  P.F.  AVG.  Rv.  Soldier  walking  r.  holding  trophy  and  placing  hand  on  head  of  captive;  VIRTVS  EXERCITVS 
ROMANORVM,  ANTI  in  ex.  4.49  grams.  RIC  199  (R3).  Full  flan.  Extremely  Fine  and  lustrous.  (5,000-7,000) 

The  above  Solidus  provides  an  excellent  portrait  of  the  “pagan  ” emperor  who  sought  to  turn  Rome  away  from  Christianity  and  back  to 
the  old  Gods,  culture  and  traditions  which  had  been  the  very  essence  of  the  Empire.  Although  a vigorous  and  perhaps  noble  visionary, 
Julian  could  never  turn  back  the  clock. 


BYZANTINE  EMPIRE 

JUSTINIAN  II 


257  Justinian  II.  First  reign,  685-695  A.D.  Solidus.  Constantinople,  officina  H.  Facing  crowned  bust.  Rv.  Cross  potent  on  three 
steps.  4.31  grams.  S.1246.  Choice  Extremely  Fine.  (700-900) 

Ex  Stack’s  Knobloch  Sale  (May  5,  1984,  lot  1709). 


END  OF  THE  SALE  OF 

THE  MICHAEL  F.  PRICE  COLLECTION  OF  ANCIENT  COINS 


I he  F IRST  SESSION,  Tuesday  Evening,  December  3,  u^ill  immediately  resume 
at  approximately  8:00  P.M.  with  an  additional  offering  of 
Ancient  (»reek  and  Roman  Coins,  lots  2.58-9.52,  presented  in  a separate  catalogue. 


All  illustration.,  are  enlarged 


100 


Trices  in  ( ) are  Estimates  Gnly 


%